About Us
Discover who we are, what we believe, and the team that leads our church family.
Our Story
The roots of CRM Praise Centre
Est.
1980
The Charismatic Renewal Ministries (CRM) traces its roots to 1967, when a group of Roman Catholic students at Duquesne University in the United States experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. By 1973, the movement had reached Nigeria through Rev. Father Richeal, a Dominican Priest at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and spread rapidly across the country.
In November 1979, a group of born-again Catholic students at the University of Ife formed a prayer cell, meeting every Saturday to fast and pray for a new move of God. On February 18, 1980, God answered with a prophetic word that became the founding vision of CRM. Under the leadership of Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, the Charismatic Renewal Ministries was formally established in 1984 and became a major catalyst for revival in the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Today, CRM has over 550 branches across Nigeria and a growing presence in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, and beyond. CRM Praise Centre in New Haven, Connecticut is part of the CRM North America family, carrying forward this legacy of revival, sound biblical teaching, and Spirit-empowered community.
“You have to love one another all of you, because love covers a multitude of sins. It is when you have love for one another you will agree as one as the apostles did, and then you shall do great and mighty things in my name.”
— Prophetic word, February 18, 1980 — the founding vision of CRM
Our Mandate
Driven by purpose, guided by vision.
Our Mission
To reap the Great Harvest of Catholic souls through Faithfulness, Love, Obedience, Prayer and exercising spiritual authority
Our Vision
Prepare Me men for the great harvest in the Catholic Church and teach them what it means to have authority
Our Strategy
- Preaching and demonstrating the whole gospel.
- Teaching converts, training workers and equipping ministers.
- Empowering men, youths and children for self-discovery in Christ.
- Supporting the challenged — couples, parents, singles, the sick, poor, unemployed, bereaved and imprisoned.
- Revival in our personal lives, Church and society.
Core Values
The pillars that sustain us
Faithfulness
Steadfast commitment to God's word and His purposes.
Love
The foundation of all we do, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Obedience
Walking in willing submission to God's direction and commands.
Prayer
The lifeline of our ministry, seeking God's face in all things.
Authority
Exercising the spiritual authority given to every believer in Christ.
The CRM Pledge
I pledge:
To be faithful in the stewardship of my talents, spiritual gifts, opportunities and calling; to honour God and add value to creation.
To love God with all my heart and demonstrate same in loving others.
To be obedient to God in all areas of my life.
To pray, waiting on God to get direction on how to serve Him better.
To receive authority and use it in the best ways to glorify God and empower the weak.
Our Leadership
CRM Praise Centre under the CRM worldwide family
General Overseer
Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu
General Overseer, CRM Worldwide
General Core Group
US National Overseer
Pst. Peter Ezekwenna
National Leader, CRM USA
Resident Pastor
Pst. Chizo Nwaneri
Resident Pastor, CRM Praise Centre
Other Core Group Members
Pastoral Team