Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The ecclesial movements and new communities, which have flourished since Vatican Council II, constitute a unique gift from the Lord and a invaluable resource for the life of the Church. They should be welcomed with confidence and esteemed for their various contributions so that they might be of efficient and fruitful benefit to all.” These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, in addressing representatives from various entities of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, who were received in an audience on October 31, on the occasion of the II International Encounter of Bishops who accompany the new Communities of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, from the International Council of the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships and, lastly, of the XIII International Conference, attended by the main communities of the Charismatic Renewal in the world.
Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that “it is the same Divine Spirit, soul of the Church, which acts in the Church in every age...The movements and new communities are like eruptions of the Holy Spirit in the Church and contemporary society. We can affirm that one of the elements and positive aspects of the Communities of Charismatic Covenant Renewal is the emphasis that the charisms and gifts of the Holy Spirit receive in these and their merit is in having recalled the actuality of these [charisms and gifts] in the Church.” Various Vatican II documents, as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, point out the value and importance of new charisms in the Church, “whose authenticity is guaranteed by their openness to submit to the discernment of ecclesial authority.” “Precisely because there is a promising flourishing of ecclesial movements and community, it is important that pastors practice a prudent and wise discernment process with them. I firmly desire that the dialogue between pastors and ecclesial movements may intensify on all levels: in parishes, dioceses, and with the Apostolic See.”
The Holy Father made reference to the continuation of the “Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships” as one of these new ecclesial realities recognized by the Holy See, which in the heart of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, has the particular mission of “safeguarding the Catholic identity of the charismatic communities, encouraging them to maintain close ties to the bishops and the Roman Pontiff.” Benedict XVI later expressed his pleasure for the creation of a permanent center for the formation of members and directors of the charismatic communities and the decision to move the association's international headquarters to Rome, in order to be more closely in contact with the Pontifical Council for the Laity. “Safeguarding fidelity to Catholic identity and an ecclesial nature in your communities”, the Pope concluded, “will allow you to give everywhere a living and active witness of the profound mystery of the Church. Thus the ability of the various communities to attract new members will also grow.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 3/11/2008)
