By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – More than one thousand men attended a Catholic spirituality conference at a Northeast Philadelphia High School Saturday. The event wrapped up with a mass celebrated by Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput.

“Man Up Philly” organized the 5th Annual Men’s Spirituality Conference

“Let’s face it, we are living in tough economic times, we all had despair. We all had adversity and this enables men to get together for the camaraderie and hear inspirational speakers and then we hope that they leave here to get together in smaller groups once a week,” said Eustace Mita, chairman of the group.

John Walker of Vermont and his 15-year-old son Matthew were in the audience.

“I want to make sure his foundation in the faith is strong so he can handle what comes at him. It will bounce off him. And as for me, it’s a recharge.”

Among the speakers were former Philadelphia Flyer Don Saleski and Jim Towey, the President of Ave Maria University and former personal attorney for Mother Theresa of Calcutta.