Reformed gangster speaks to students
This former East End Enforcer turned evangelist visits students to tell of his remarkable conversion.
John Pridmore, who nearly killed a man who failed to pay a debt, speaks to students at schools across the world. Now a high profile Christian speaker, he travels the globe talking about how he changed his life. He tells pupils about his heavy involvement in organised crime and long stretches in prison.
The reformed gangster nearly killed a man outside a London nightclub, only to impress an underworld boss who was there. That was more than thirty years ago, and he decided to use his experiences to help young people by showing them an alternative path to violence and drugs, and to use their gifts to help others.
After his conversion in 1992 he made his way to the Bronx in New York to join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a small group of men who live as monks in some of the seediest urban districts, to help them in their outreach work. While in the Bronx he met Saint Mother Teresa, who helped him to love again and to use his story to help others.
John has led retreats, conferences and seminars throughout the U.K., Ireland, U.S.A. (New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Tampa, Lafayette, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Iowa), Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Cayman Islands, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Mexico, Liberia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia, Hungary and Spain.
Students can't wait to hear this 6ft-5in reformed criminal's conversion story
“His stories were so emotive and made me reflect on personal experience. He was huge; a bit scary to start with, but you could tell how devoted he is to God.”
“John Pridmore was very inspiring and his stories were really interesting. They also had an impact on me because they were so personal.”
Schools, weekend Masses, conferences and services
John Pridmore is now a full time speaker in parishes, schools and prisons around America, the UK and Ireland to tens of thousands of people each year. He has founded his own community in Ireland, has led retreats, conferences and seminars throughout the UK and USA as well as Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Cayman Islands, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Mexico, Liberia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia and Hungary.
John is available to speak at schools, weekend Masses or other events, conferences and services. He is happy to speak on a variety of subjects, below are some suggestions:
- From Gangland To Promised Land (John's story)
- God's Love
- God's Mercy
- God's Healing
- The Gift of Our Lady
- The Holy Spirit
- Saints of the Church
- The Angels
- The Eucharist
- Reconciliation
John's talks change people's lives. Check his availability and cost.
Tell John about your school, parish or event and the date you have in mind, and he will come back to you directly.