John Pridmore Ex-gangster · Catholic speaker & author Book John
John Pridmore looks straight into the camera, unsmiling
From

Gangland toPromised Land

Once a paid enforcer for London's East End underworld, John Pridmore has since spoken to millions in parishes, schools and prisons around the world about the God who changed his life.

Invite John to speak Watch his story
“I would have no hesitation in recommending John Pridmore to any parish that might be interested in inviting him to give a talk or parish mission in the near future.”
Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam
  • 250+parish missions, from cathedrals to small country churches
  • 400,000young people addressed at World Youth Day in Sydney
  • 5continents where John has led retreats, conferences and talks
The story

A paid enforcer

  • He was a serious 'Face' in London's East End
  • His jackets were tailored to hold his machete and knuckledusters
  • His drug deals netted him thousands
  • He had a penthouse, sports cars and women
  • He nearly killed a man outside a nightclub

Then something extraordinary happened....

John Pridmore has spoken to millions around the world about his past and present life and inspired thousands through his powerful talks, conferences and parish missions.

Read John's story
John Pridmore lit from one side against a black background, in the years before his conversion
“I had what I thought was everything. Money, power, girls, drugs the lot. But yet there was something missing...”
John Pridmore
John Pridmore's Story A short film by Družina media Watch on YouTube
Invite John

Bring John to your parish, school or prison

Two ways to work with John: a talk for your school, conference or weekend Masses, or a full parish mission over three or five days.

John Pridmore standing in a school hall surrounded by secondary students, holding a copy of his book
Speaking

Talks for schools, conferences and Masses

An international speaker for 13 years, John spoke at World Youth Day in Sydney to over 400,000 young people.

John is available to speak at schools, weekend Masses or other events, conferences and services.

Talks include
  • John's story
  • God's Love
  • God's Mercy
  • God's Healing
  • The Holy Spirit
  • The Eucharist
  • Reconciliation
  • The Gift of Our Lady
About speaking
John Pridmore speaking into a microphone on a darkened stage
Parish mission

A week of grace for the whole parish

John offers a 5-day retreat from M-F or a 3-day retreat from M-W with an introduction at the weekend Masses.

  • Night 1God’s LoveTo know the depth of God’s love in our heart
  • Night 2God’s MercyA service of mercy – a chance to personally meet Jesus
  • Night 3God’s HealingHealing service – allowing Jesus to heal our bodies and hearts

Each night will include a talk with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. As well as music and scripture readings.

About parish missions
Endorsements

What priests and parishes say

All parish mission endorsements
I would have no hesitation in recommending John Pridmore to any parish that might be interested in inviting him to give a talk or parish mission in the near future.
Michael NearyArchbishop of Tuam
We welcomed John Pridmore to our parish last September. He had a tremendous impact on our community and many, many people were drawn back to the sacraments. A particular highlight was the evening of reconciliation - a lot of graces were bequeathed on our parish community that evening! I would heartily and happily endorse John's work! God bless.
Fr. John Morrison, PPSt. Patrick's Church Greenock, Scotland
It is with great pleasure that I write this reference on behalf of mission speaker and author John Pridmore. During our 2016 Parish Mission, Mr Pridmore spoke with passion about his Catholic faith and his conversion from Gangland life to Christianity. His stories were engaging, down to earth and resonated deeply with our parishioners. His message that our God is a merciful and forgiving God encouraged many to seek comfort and healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many people who were away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for decades went to confession. What a beautiful and grace-filled week! I encourage all parishes to experience John’s message and enthusiasm for his Faith.
Rev. Len PlazewskiChrist The King Parish Tampa FL USA
I was so impressed with the Parish Mission that John Pridmore gave that, over the years, I invited him back to give a SECOND and then a THIRD mission. The prayerfulness and stillness of the weeks of Mission brought many blessings. The strength of conviction of delivering the message helped many to live the message a bit better. Jesus is the core of the Mission and it is His teaching that is taught. With John Pridmore there are no gimmicks or pretending but the gospel is proclaimed in a truthful strong gently way. The Mission is a great invitation to people to ‘come and see’ so that ‘you too may go and tell’. The message that John Pridmore left in me still challenges me to be an authentic follower of the Son of God.
Fr. Eamonn Kelly, AdmLetterkenny Cathedral, Co. Donegal
John Pridmore packed the Church each night. I wasn’t at all sure that would take place since it rarely happened. The first night was standing room only. His personal story is so powerful that it touches both young and old alike and all those in between. Even though no one comes even close to living the kind of life John lived in his early years, he touches on feelings that we all have and bringing Jesus into the equation, people are allowed to name those feelings and be freed of their affects. On the night of forgiveness he clearly shows people a Father of mercy. And on the night of healing, Jesus’ ministry of healing is so powerfully present. John has a big story, told by a big man, who makes God accessible to people who never thought God ever had them in mind. Here in Cajun Country where food is the topic of about every conversation, John fed us with a message of Jesus Christ that truly satisfies
Rev. Steven C. LeBlancSt. Pius X Catholic Church, Lafayette, LA USA
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Book John

Check John's availability for your parish, school or event

Tell John where you are and when, and he will come back to you directly.

TelephoneCall John EmailEmail John AddressThe Presbytery, Gowel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
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