Attendees listen to Fr. Dan Reehil, keynote speaker for an Aug. 1 conference on “Spiritual Warfare & Our Lady” hosted by the Diocese of Owensboro’s Marian Shrine Committee, held at the Woodward Theatre in Owensboro. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Sold-out Marian conference strengthens faith through prayer and witness
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Four hundred faithful gathered at the Woodward Theatre in downtown Owensboro on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 for “Spiritual Warfare & Our Lady,” a sold-out, daylong conference hosted by the diocesan Marian Shrine Committee.
The conference opened with the rosary led by Fr. Brandon Williams, pastor of Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro. Prayer, Mass, presentations and Eucharistic Adoration filled the schedule, inviting participants to deepen their relationship with Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Featured speaker Fr. Dan Reehil, the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Columbia, Tennessee, and an exorcist for the Diocese of Nashville, shared the story of his journey from a career in finance to the priesthood. He recalled working in New York and living through the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as a profound conversion and a period of discernment that involved a life-changing pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
“Ask God what he wants to do with your life,” Fr. Reehil told participants. “It’s never too late.” He said that after 18 months of prayer and discernment, he heard the call, “Come, follow me.”
Fr. Reehil encouraged those gathered to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and to recognize the parish church as the spiritual heart of your community. “The most important building in your town is your church,” he said.
Following his morning presentation, priests from the Fathers of Mercy in Auburn, Kentucky, concelebrated Mass with Fr. Reehil inside the theatre. Against the venue’s black backdrop and stage lighting, the liturgy placed the Eucharist at the center of the gathering.
The afternoon included presentations on spiritual warfare and devotion to Our Lady; the Chaplet of Divine Mercy; and a closing Holy Hour with Benediction and a final blessing.
Ordained in 2014, Fr. Reehil serves as national director of Radio Maria USA and hosts the daily program Battle Ready with Fr. Dan Reehil. His ministry focuses on scripture, Church tradition, spiritual perseverance and bringing people closer to Christ through the Blessed Mother.
The Marian Shrine Committee sponsors several opportunities each year to foster growth in faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Among them is the annual YOUTH 2000 Eucharistic retreat, co-sponsored with the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The retreat, which emphasizes encounters with Christ through Mass, confession and Adoration, is expected to mark its 30th year in March 2027.
Fr. Dan Reehil, the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Columbia, Tennessee, and an exorcist for the Diocese of Nashville, speaks during the Aug. 1 conference on “Spiritual Warfare & Our Lady” hosted by the Diocese of Owensboro’s Marian Shrine Committee in Owensboro. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
