Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Catholic Charismatic Renewal will be among the many movements which accepted with enthusiasm Pope Benedict XVI’s invitation to the Pentecost Prayer Vigil on June 3 in St Peter’s Square. For the occasion the ICCRS, International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services a body of pontifical right which co-ordinates and promotes sharing of experience and reflection among Catholic Charismatic groups, has organised a series of spiritual events from 5 to 11 June which will also mark the beginning of celebrations for its 40th anniversary.
Saturday 3 June members of ICCRS will join other movements in St Peter’s Square for solemn Vespers presided by Pope Benedict XVI. On Sunday after taking part in the Papal Mass the ICCRS members will go to the Palaghiaccio Ice Rink at Marino for an event with the title “My soul magnifies the Lord”, to give glory to God for his daily work among his people through the working of the Holy Spirit. Speakers will include Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM cap, preacher of the Papal Household, and Father Tom Forrest, a ICCRS pioneer. There will follow time for reflection and listening to testimony from members of the different communities. The event will close with a Celebration of Praise spectacle of song and dance involving artistes from all over the world.
From 5 to 9 June the Palatenda in Fiuggi will host an Open Conference on “Charismatic Renewal Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. Over 1,000 delegates from 70 different countries will take part. The event will mark the start of celebrations for ICCRS 40th anniversary which will culminate in February 2007. Speakers at the conference will include many past and present ICCRS leaders .
From 9 to 11 June, also in Fiuggi, about 300 leaders have been invited to a “Maturing in the Spirit”, meeting to listen to the Lord in prayer, striving to discern his will and plans for ICCRS in the world for the third millennium. In spiritual preparation for this special season of faith, from 1-11 June charismatic groups in Rome diocese will take it in turns to preside prayer of Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament invoking the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 31/5/2006; Righe 29 - Parole 414)
