Traditionalist and Charismatic

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youtube.com/watch?v=VZwFzj1IkzI

Yes, yes. This is Catholic.

Emotional ejaculations. Ridiculous pomp and circumstance. Infernal noise of Hell. The non-ordained “testifying.” The slapping of hands and shouting.

I, for one, cannot reconcile this with our most perfect doctrine.

Pat Buchanan said it the best:
“The Church is in crisis today not because it failed to adjust its teaching and practices to the sexual revolution, but because it tried both to be true to its teachings and to keep in step with an immoral age, which is an impossibility. The way for the Church to restore its lost moral authority is to retrace its steps.”
I fail to see how the video applies to this discussion :confused:

The Church has not lost its moral authority for its authority comes from Jesus. If people choose not to follow that is their problem. The Catholic Church is not trying to be in step with immorality.
 
I fail to see how the video applies to this discussion :confused:

The Church has not lost its moral authority for its authority comes from Jesus. If people choose not to follow that is their problem. The Catholic Church is not trying to be in step with immorality.
It was an appeal to those that think heretical Pentecostal dogma can be legitimately reconciled with Church teachings.
 
I scrolled back to have a look at the links mentioned. None of them specifically endorse the practices which worry traditionalists and the articles are on Charismatic websites, as far as I can work out.
The links regarding what the popes have said endorse the movement. And the first link is from the ICCRS (International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service), an organization **approved by the Holy See ** as a Private Association of the Faithful with a juridical personality. The Statutes were official approved by the Holy See by this Decree So, of course that is a ‘Charismatic website’ it’s the official church liaison for the movement. The fact that it is a "Charismatic website’, does not invalidate it as a source. Try removing those blinders you have and look at the whole picture. Better yet, read the statutes and the decree with am open, unbiased mind. Some of the practices worrying traditionalists, don’t worry the Church. The Vice-President Pontifical Council for the Laity, Bishop Paul J. Cordes, was been nominated by the Holy Father as Episcopal Advisor of ICCRS, “ad personam”,

Some of the goals in the statutes of the ICCRS; “To foster the reception and use of the spiritual gifts (charismata) not only in the CCR but also in the broader Church. These gifts, ordinary and extraordinary are abundantly found among laity, religious and clergy. Their proper understanding and use in harmony with other elements of the Church life is a source of strength for Christians on their journey towards holiness and in the carrying out of their mission.”

“To foster the ongoing growth in holiness through the proper integration of these charismatic emphases with the full life of the Church. This is accomplished through participation in a rich sacramental and liturgical life, and appreciation of the tradition of Catholic prayer and spirituality, and ongoing formation in Catholic doctrine. This is guided by the Church’s Magisterium, and participation in the pastoral plan of the Church.”

There is your endorsement of the movement, and the legitimate charisms. It doesn’t matter if the accepted practices “worry traditionalists”. What matters is if unaccepted practices creep in to the movement. It is for the Church to decide, not Traditionalists.

The second link is a PDF translation of this speech given mainly in French, by Paul VI. Do note that it is on the official Vatican website. Not a “Charismatic website”, but the official Vatican one. Note that the Holy Father himself said, “This indeed is spiritual renewal and only through the Holy Spirit can it be accomplished. And this is why we exhort you earnestly to “ desire the higher gifts “”.

The third link of John Paul’s address to The Catholic Charismatics, is also on the Catholic Information Network which is not a “Charismatic website”. Here John Paul mentions that the Catholic Fraternity of Covenant Communities and Fellowships, received final recognition from the Pontifical Council for the Laity, on 27 November 1995. "In order to help Pastors and the Charismatic Movement to work together in building up the Church of Christ, the Pontifical Council for the Laity is preparing a document which will serve as an important point of reference for the life and apostolate of such communities, and for the discernment of their spiritual gifts. Let us pray that this document will produce the good results which we expect from it! "

The fourth link, is on the Official Archdiocesan website for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is copy of this article on the Zenit news page, which is not a Charismatic website. From the Zenit website FAQ: “ZENIT is a non-profit international news agency, made up of a team of professionals and volunteers who are convinced of the extraordinary richness of the Catholic Church’s message, particularly its social doctrine. The ZENIT team sees this message as a light for understanding today’s world.”
Pope Benedict XVI stated “here were men who were deeply touched by the spirit of God and that in such a way there grew new forms of authentic Christian life and authentic ways of being Church.”

Even if the articles were only on Charismatic websites, that does not invalidate any of them, they are the words of the Holy Father. And all of them endorse the movement, and the charisms, while urging caution regarding practices conflicting with the Church. Your problem is you can’t get pass your personal bias and accept that the popes have endorsed the Charismatic Renewal; you don’t have to like it, but you don’t get to decide if the Renewal is acceptable or not. The Catholic Church does, and she has spoken through the popes.
 
So a preacher associated with the Pope is a Charismatic? This is hardly a ringing endorsement of so popular a movement.
It would be so nice if Traditionalists would stop being disingenuous and creating false claims that were never made, because absolutely no one mentioned Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap as an endorsement. The reason for mentioning that, is to show that the popes are so accepting of the movement, that Fr. Cantalamessa was chosen to be the Papal Household’s Personal Preacher. If John Paul and/or Benedict had a problem with it, do you honestly think they would choose a Charismatic priest to preach to them? It’s a big deal, that Fr. Cantalamessa was chosen, with both popes knowing full well his background and involvement in the Renewal. Since neither are opposed to the movement, and have spoken out in favor of the movement, it shouldn’t be any surprise that John Paul chose Fr Cantalamessa, and Benedict decided to retain him.

So, you have the words of the popes, from legitimate sources, plus the approved statutes of the ICCRS by Decree, and the approval as Private Association of the Faithful by the Holy See. Exactly how much proof do you demand, before you accept that the Church has spoken?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charismatic_Movement
It started with Protestantism and I think it’s just part of the modern fad for self-expression in our worship. We must be busy doing things, otherwise we’re not we’re not getting the full value. Or something.
Like Wikipedia is an accurate source, that page is about Charismatics/Pentecostals in general. For the umptenth time, because you refuse to get it; it is called *Charismatic Renewal *for a reason. It is a Renewal of the Charisms of the Early Church, it didn’t start with Protestants, that is a falsehood straw man Traditionalists and those opposed to the movement love to resurrect. Catholics have had the charisms long before Protestants existed, the Protestants derived their charisms from the bible that they got from us. And I don’t mind saying this to all of you Traditionalists who have a problem with the Renewal, what YOU think doesn’t matter! Period! Are there any post Vatican II movements of the Spirit that you do accept? I’m so glad the Church and the recent popes are not as narrow-minded as Traditionalists often are, and that Traditionalists have no authority to decide whether a movement is valid. These spurious attacks on Charismatics border on being uncharitable.

I could take your statement and twist it around, Like this: Traditionalism started with schism and Sedevacantists and I think it’s just part of the anti Vatican II fad for nostalgic self-expression in our worship. We must be busy doing things like kneeling for communion instead of standing, which is the norm, or having a TLM when the OF is the norm, or having everything in chant and pipe organs, otherwise we’re not we’re not getting the full value. Or something. Yeah… sounds about right. Do you like it when your movement gets denigrated? Then why do you feel the need to denigrate someone else’s spirituality? Why is it okay for Traditionalists to bash Charismatics, especially since I’ve never observed Charismatics bash Traditionalists; and there are people, including a few who posted in this thread, immersed in both movements?

The Church has spoken, the popes have spoken; deal with it and move on, because you are not going to stop it from happening. The Holy Spirit blows where He will, not where Traditionalists think He should.
 
The Charismatic movement began in Protestantism. Even if you don’t rate Wikipedia, Charismaticism is too close to the caricature of a tent revival meeting most Catholics would occasionally see on TV. A marvellous opportunity for normally staid people to emote in a context they care a great deal about.

For 1800+ years we did not seek these ‘gifts’, which, in their outward expression, just look silly and self-indulgent; swooning, babbling and creating an unoffical hierarchy: So-and-so has such a ‘gift’ and you do not.

I used to be interested in occultism, from an armchair perspective. I’ve read that spiritual effects can be easily had, when you go looking for them. People can, for example, develop the ability to read minds. That doesn’t mean they’re holy.

The key thing is: lasting, positive change which creates a superior person, who is so acknowledged as such by disinterested or even initially hostile parties e.g. St. Padre Pio.

The premise is: that for 1800+ years our religion was deficient. Like the changes to the Mass, ordinary Catholics do not realise how much of this is borrowed from Protestantism, including its basic tenet: that we are getting back to an older, fuller, more authentic expression of Christianity, based upon, paradoxically, the ‘latest thinking’.

I think the Church’s attitude is the same as towards Medjugorje: we can’t, realistically, stop people doing this, and we don’t want to clamp down on those who are genuinely seeking holiness, but you’re not going to get tradition-minded Bishops and clergy endorsing it.
 
The premise is: that for 1800+ years our religion was deficient. Like the changes to the Mass, ordinary Catholics do not realise how much of this is borrowed from Protestantism, including its basic tenet: that we are getting back to an older, fuller, more authentic expression of Christianity, based upon, paradoxically, the ‘latest thinking’.
Reminds me of traditionalists who think our religion is deficient without certain languages used, certain fragrances used, certain music used, certain gestures used, certain buildings being built, certain statues being had, thinking that the Church is wrong on the third vision of Fatima, certain cannon laws being used, how the Eucharist being received is wrong, who distributes the Eucharist is wrong.

And other assorted items.

There was charisms being experienced by some over 1800 years, even if people didn’t actively seek them out. Now people are, just like how some are seeking out traditional practices and devotions.

In that sense, the movements (charismatic and traditional) are not so different, and are both Traditional in origin and practice.
 
The Charismatic movement began in Protestantism.
For 1800+ years we did not seek these ‘gifts’, which, in their outward expression, just look silly and self-indulgent; swooning, babbling and creating an unoffical hierarchy: So-and-so has such a ‘gift’ and you do not.

The premise is: that for 1800+ years our religion was deficient. Like the changes to the Mass, ordinary Catholics do not realise how much of this is borrowed from Protestantism, including its basic tenet: that we are getting back to an older, fuller, more authentic expression of Christianity, based upon, paradoxically, the ‘latest thinking’.
So you’re willing to admit they did exist in the Catholic church for at least 200 years?

anyway, how is not using electricity after its discovery and holier? Candles? pipe organ rather than keyboards and guitars?

I’m kinda suprised you guys are on the net being technophobes and all:D
 
It was an appeal to those that think heretical Pentecostal dogma can be legitimately reconciled with Church teachings.
First, that video was a marketing tool for a youth conference. It was rapidly moving through what was being offered. Not all images were occurring within a mass. Some were at a concert. You’re incorrectly associating actions in a concert with actions at mass or Eucharistic adoration. That is an unethical smear campaign.
 
First, that video was a marketing tool for a youth conference. It was rapidly moving through what was being offered. Not all images were occurring within a mass. Some were at a concert. You’re incorrectly associating actions in a concert with actions at mass or Eucharistic adoration. That is an unethical smear campaign.
The fact that any of it goes on at all should be enough to indicate what this travesty is about.

Additionally, if these were the “select” moments appropriate for advertising, then clearly something is wrong.

allforgodcatholic.com/

Steubenville San Diego is arguably the largest Charismatic “Catholic” event on the west coast, almost certainly California.

These actions don’t occur during the Mass?

youtube.com/watch?v=wq-qYcUEmSo

Rapping? The infernal noise of Hell. The demonic clamoring of lost souls.

I have been to these ridiculous spectacles. Nothing Catholic about them.
 
It seems very much to me that Ex Libris is against people expressing their enthusiasm for the faith. Though I’m kind of a stickler for proper liturgical music (following the model of Gregorian chant), it seems that you are reacting in a somewhat extreme fashion to people expressing great enthusiasm for the faith.

In any case, that’s certainly not what the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is about. The charismatic movement is working in an effort to restore the understanding of the charismatic dimension of the faith. Read what St, Paul has to say in Corinthians 12. He’s pretty clear that the manifestation of the Spirit (i.e. those charisms he just mentioned) is given to EVERYONE for the upbuilding of the Church.

Stick with what the Church says.

Here’s some quotes from the documents of Vatican II.
  1. The holy people of God shares also in Christ’s prophetic office; it spreads abroad a living witness to Him, especially by means of a life of faith and charity and by offering to God a sacrifice of praise, the tribute of lips which give praise to His name.(110) The entire body of the faithful, anointed as they are by the Holy One,(111) cannot err in matters of belief. They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples’ supernatural discernment in matters of faith when “from the Bishops down to the last of the lay faithful” (8*) they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals. That discernment in matters of faith is aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth. It is exercised under the guidance of the sacred teaching authority, in faithful and respectful obedience to which the people of God accepts that which is not just the word of men but truly the word of God.(112) Through it, the people of God adheres unwaveringly to the faith given once and for all to the saints,(113) penetrates it more deeply with right thinking, and applies it more fully in its life.
It is not only through the sacraments and the ministries of the Church that the Holy Spirit sanctifies and leads the people of God and enriches it with virtues, but, "allotting his gifts to everyone according as He wills,(114) He distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts He makes them fit and ready to undertake the various tasks and offices which contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church, according to the words of the Apostle: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit”.(115) These charisms, whether they be the more outstanding or the more simple and widely diffused, are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation for they are perfectly suited to and useful for the needs of the Church. Extraordinary gifts are not to be sought after, nor are the fruits of apostolic labor to be presumptuously expected from their use; but judgment as to their genuinity and proper use belongs to those who are appointed leaders in the Church, to whose special competence it belongs, not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things and hold fast to that which is good.(116) - Lumen Gentium

Note about the above quote:

Notice it says “Extraordinary gifts are not to be sought after”. So… when you first read this, it seems that it’s saying that you shouldn’t seek extraordinary gifts. I was a bit shocked when I read that, because it seems to differ with what St. Paul says in Corinthians, which SAYS to seek spiritual gifts “especially that you might prophecy”.

BUT. I went into the original Latin, which reads: Dona autem extraordinaria non sunt temere expetenda www.ewtn.com/library/councils/v2lumlat.htm

And guess what? That word temere is an adverb, and it means “by chance, randomly, without cause, rashly, thoughtlessly”. This is totally dropped from English translation.

So what is this really saying?

Dona = “gifts”, neuter second declension noun, accusative plural.

autem = “but, on the other hand, however”.

extraordinaria = “extraordinary” adjective, modifying “dona”

non sunt = are not

temere = “rashly, thoughtlessly, without cause” adverb

expetenda = “demand, ask for, exact (as a penalty)” third conjugation verb, and it’s a gerund, going with “dona” again.

Alright, so this reads something more like "Extraordinary gifts, however, are not to be rashly demanded."That’s a BIG difference.

“through receiving these gifts of grace [ex horum charismatum] …everyone of the faithful has the right and duty to exercise them in the church and in the world for the good of humanity and the building up of the Church.” Apostolicam actuositatem, #3

“so that all may more clearly recognize the talents with which God has enriched their souls, and then exercise the charismatic gifts which the Holy Spirit has conferred on them for the good of their sisters and brothers. Apostolicam actuositatem, # 30

They [the priests] are to test the spirits to see whether they are of God, discern with a sense of faith the manifold gifts, [charismata multiformia] both exalted and ordinary, that the laity have, acknowledge them gladly and foster them with care.” Presbyterorum ordinis, #9

“Accordingly, by means of the Holy Spirit, Who distributes His gifts [charismata] as He wishes for the good of all, the Lord Christ stirs up a missionary vocation in the hearts of individuals…." Ad gentes, #23
 
Now here’s some quotes from the Popes that endorse the charismatic movement:

Paul VI
Code:
“We rejoice with you, dear friends, at the renewal of the spiritual life manifested in the Church today, in different forms and in various environments. ...] In all that, we can recognize the mysterious and hidden work of the Spirit, who is the soul of the church.”

Address of Paul VI on the occasion of the first International Leaders’ Conference, Grottaferrata (Rome) 10 October 1973

“How then could this “spiritual renewal” not be “a chance” for the church and for the world? And how, in this case, could one not take all the means to ensure that it remains so? ...] Nothing is more necessary for such a world, more and more secularized, than the testimony of this “spiritual renewal”, which we see the Holy Spirit bring about today in the most diverse regions and environments. Its manifestations are varied: deep communion of souls, close contact with God in faithfulness to the commitments undertaken at Baptism, in prayer that is often community prayer, in which each one, expressing himself freely, helps, supports and nourishes the prayer of others, and, at the basis of everything, a personal conviction. This conviction has its source not only in instruction received by faith but also in a certain experience of real life, namely, that without God, man can do nothing, that with him, on the contrary, everything becomes possible.”

Address of Pope Paul VI to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal on occasion of the Second International Leaders’ Conference, Rome, 19 May 1975
 
Bl. John Paul the Great
“I am convinced that this movement is a sign of His action (of the Spirit). The world is much in need of this action of the Holy Spirit, and it needs many instruments for this action. …] Now I see this movement, this activity everywhere.”
Code:
Private audience of Pope John Paul II with the ICCRO Council
Rome, 11 December 1979

“This morning I have the joy of meeting this assembly of yours, in which I see young people, adults, old people, men and women, united in the profession of the same faith, sustained by longing for the same hope, bound together by bonds of that charity which “has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Rm. 5:5). To this effusion of the Spirit we know we owe a deeper and deeper experience of the presence of Christ, thanks to which we can grow daily in loving knowledge of the Father. Rightly, therefore, your movement pays particular attention to the action, mysterious but real, that the third person of the Holy Trinity plays in the Christian’s life.”

First audience of Pope John Paul II with the Italian Renewal
Rome, 23 November 1980

“Your reputation goes before you, like that of his beloved Philippians, which prompted the Apostle Paul to begin his letter to them with a sentiment I am happy to echo: “I give thanks to my God every time I think of you” ...] The Church has seen the fruits of your devotion to prayer in a deepened commitment to holiness of life and love for the word of God.”

Address of Pope John Paul II at the Fourth International Leaders’ Conference
Rome, 7 May 1981

“...] I ask you, and all the members of the Charismatic Renewal, to continue to cry aloud to the world with me: “Open the doors to the Redeemer” ...]  The church’s mission is to proclaim Christ to the world. You share effectively in this mission insofar as your groups and communities are rooted in the local churches, in your dioceses and parishes.”

Address of Pope John Paul II at the Fifth International Leaders’ Conference
Rome, 30 April 1984

“The first dimension of renewal consists, therefore, in this: “to live according the Spirit”, in this continual growing in the Spirit, resisting the gratifications of the “flesh”, opening oneself to the strong, sweet attraction of God. This inner renewal, this healing of the very roots of life and this formation of a mentality dominated by the “promptings of the Spirit” is your vocation as Christians, your vocation as men and women, youths and adults of our time who want to give witness, who want that model to flourish in the world of today, the model of spirituality and even of courtesy…”

Address of Pope John Paul II to the participants in the National Congress of the Italian “Renewal in the Spirit”
Rome, 15 November 1986

“...] But there is yet another positive chance today: that of the group of prayer which have multiplied in the Catholic Church as in other ecclesial communities, spontaneously, in an unforeseen fashion. ...] a grace which has come precisely to sanctify the Church and to renew in her the taste for prayer through the rediscovery, with the Holy Spirit, of the sense of gratuitousness, of joyful praise, of confidence in intercession; and this becomes a new source of evangelisation.”

Audience of Pope John Paul II with the Bishops of Nothern France
22 January 1987

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church. The vigour and fruitfulness of the Renewal certainly attest to the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church in these years after the Second Vatican Council. Of course, the Spirit has guided the Church in every age, producing a great variety of gifts among the faithful. Because of the Spirit, the church preserves a continual youthful vitality, and the Charismatic Renewal is an eloquent manifestation of this vitality today, a bold statement of what “the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Rev. 2:7) as we approach the close of the second millennium.”

Address of Pope John Paul II at the Sixth International Leaders’ Conference
Rome, 15 May 1987

“The Holy Spirit is at work in groups such as yours, drawing you to prayer and filling you with joy in adoring and praising the Lord. As I wrote for the whole Church in my Encyclical Dominum et Vivificantem: “Recent years have been seeing a growth in the number of people who, in ever more widespread movements and groups, are giving first place to prayer and seeking in prayer a renewal of their spiritual life”. In the same Spirit who send you forth to bear witness. How can anyone who has tasted the goodness of Christ remain silent and inactive? How can one lock away the good that has been so fully received?”

Address of Pope John Paul II to the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships
Rome, 7 December 1991

“As you celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the beginning of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, I willingly join you in giving praise to God for the many fruits which it has borne in the life of the Church. The emergence of the Renewal following the Second Vatican Council was a particular gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. ...] At this moment in the Church’s history, the Charismatic Renewal can play a significant role in promoting the much-needed defence of Christian life in societies where secularism and materialism have weakened many people’s ability to respond to the Spirit and to discern God’s loving call.”

Audience of Pope John Paul II with the ICCRO Council
Rome 14 March 1992
 
“You have just completed a spiritual retreat in Assisi, the city of St. Francis and also of St. Clare …] These great figures of holiness in the Church made their own the words of St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20)”. Is this not the ideal and goal which permeates the Charismatic Renewal? Is it not the programme of life which your prayer groups and your communities have set themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit? May the example and intercession of the great Saints of Assisi strengthen your resolve to grow continually in evangelical love and service “to the measure and the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13).”
Code:
Address of Pope John Paul II to Catholic Charismatic Renewal Leaders after ICCRS’ Assisi Retreat
Castelgandolfo, 18 September 1993

“Your efforts to make known to others the joy of your faith in Christ will not only contribute to strengthening the life of the local Churches to which you belong, but will also inspire a deeper and more mature faith among your own members. ...] your emphasis on the centrality of Scripture for the Christian life can greatly help ecumenical understanding and co-operation, as all believers seek to hear the voice of the Spirit which continues to speak to the churches.”

Message of Pope John Paul II to participants in the plenary assembly of the CFCCCF
Rome, 14 November 1994

“How can we fail to praise God for the abundant fruit which in recent decades the Renewal has brought about in the lives of individuals and in communities? Countless people have appreciate the importance of Sacred Scripture for Christian living; they have acquired a new sense of the value of prayer and a profound yearning for holiness; many have returned to the sacraments; and a great number of men and women have achieved a deeper understanding of their baptismal call, and have committed themselves to the Church’s mission with admirable dedication.”

Message of Pope John Paul II to participants to the Seventh International meeting of the CFCCCF
Rome, 9 November 1996

“The Catholic charismatic movement is one of the many fruits of the Second Vatican Council, which, like a new Pentecost, led to an extraordinary flourishing in the Church’s life of groups and movements particularly sensitive to the action of the Spirit. How can we not give thanks for the precious spirituals fruits that the Renewal has produced in the life of the Church and in the lives of so many people? How many lay faithful—men, women, young people, adults and elderly—have been able to experience in their own lives the amazing power of the Spirit and his gifts! How many people have rediscovered faith, the joy of prayer, the power and beauty of the Word of God, translating all this into generous service in the Church’s mission! How many lives have been profoundly changed! For all this today, together with you, I wish to praise and thank the Holy Spirit.”

Audience of Pope John Paul II with the National Service Committee of the Italian “Renewal in the Spirit”
Rome, 4 April 1998

“Thanks to this powerful ecclesial experience, wonderful Christian families have come into being which are open to life, true “domestic churches”, and many vocations to the ministerial priesthood and the religious life have blossomed, as well as new forms of lay life inspired by the evangelical counsels. You have learned in the movements and new communities that faith is not abstract talk, nor vague religious sentiment, but new life in Christ instilled by the Holy Spirit.”

Message at the meeting between Pope John Paul II and the ecclesial movements and new communities in St. Peter’s Square
Rome, 30 May 1998

“Certainly, your own charism leads you to direct your life towards a special “intimacy” with the Holy Spirit. And a survey of the thirty years of the history of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal shows that you have helped many people to rediscover the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, in the life of the Church and in the life of the world. ...] From the very beginning of my ministry as the Successor of Peter, I have considered the movements as a great spiritual resource for the Church and for humanity, a gift of the Holy Spirit for our time, a sign of hope for all people.”

Address of Pope John Paul II to participant at the Eighth meeting of the CFCCCF
Rome, 1 June 1998
 
“The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has helped many Christians to rediscover the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, in the life of the Church and in the world, and this rediscovery has awakened in them a faith in Christ filled with joy, a great love of the Church and a generous dedication to her evangelising mission. In this year of the Holy Spirit, I join you in praise of God for the precious fruits which he has wished to bring to maturity in your communities and, through them, in the particular Churches.”
Code:
Audience of Pope John Paul II with the participants at the Ninth Leaders’ Conference
Fiuggi, 30 October 1998

“...] your meeting is taking place under the patronage of an organisation. the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS), whose task is to coordinate and promote exchange of experiences and reflections among Catholic Charismatic Communities throughout the world. Thanks to this, the wealth present in each community is for the benefit of everybody and all the communities can more easily perceive the bond of communion which binds them to each other and to whole Church. ...] I noticed that there was now a new stage also for the movements, “the one of ecclesial maturity”. Also charismatic communities are called today to make this step and I am certain that, for ecclesial awareness to mature in the different charismatic communities throughout the world, ICCRS can have an important role.”

Address of Pope John Paul II to the participants in the National Congress of the Italian “Renewal in the Spirit”
Rimini, 24 April 2000

“There is no holiness without prayer. In fact, as we see in the lives of the Saints, Christians are worth as much as they pray. ...] This commits that the groups and communities of the Renewal be ever more places of contemplation and praise, where the heart of man is filled with the love of God, opens up to the love towards his brother and becomes capable of building history according to God’s design. It is in the Church—home and school of communion—that we which must oppose the culture of hatred and revenge, may the groups and Communities of the Renewal (RnS) be significant places and models of brotherhood and love, of patience and reciprocal welcoming. May the experience of forgiveness and the value given to every spiritual gift help everyone to build a fellowship nourished by the breath of the Spirit of the Risen Lord.”

Address of Pope John Paul II to the participants in the National Congress of the Italian “Renewal in the Spirit”
Rimini, 28 April 2001

“The Church and the world need saints! And all the baptized without exception are called to be saints! ...] Let your communities, therefore, be more and more “genuine schools of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion, until the heart truly “falls in love”. For this is what the saints are: people who have fallen in love with Christ. And this is why the Charismatic Renewal has been such a gift to the Church: it has led a host of men and women, young and old, into this experience of the love which is stronger than death.”

Message of Pope John Paul II to participants to the Seventh International meeting of the CFCCCF
Rome, 22 June 2001

“Yes! The Renewal in the Spirit can be considered a special gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church in our time. Born in the Church and for the Church, your movement is one in which, following the light of the Gospel, the members experience the living encounter with Jesus, fidelity to God in personal and community prayer, confident listening to his Word and a vital rediscovery of the Sacraments, not to mention courage in trials and hope in hardship. Love for the Church and submission to her Magisterium, in the process of maturing in the Church supported by a solid permanent formation are relevant signs of your intention to avoid the risk of favouring, unwittingly, a purely emotional experience of the divine, an excessive pursuit of the “extraordinary” and a private withdrawal that may shrink from apostolic outreach.”

Address of Pope John Paul II to the participants in the National Congress of the Italian “Renewal in the Spirit”
Rimini, 14 March 2002
 
Fr. Gabriel Bunge (former OSB) wrote a book called Earthen Vessels, and it lays out pretty well why the charismatic movement is not compatible with Catholic teaching without ever mentioning the movement.

There is no charismatic experience like silent, mental prayer. That is all I have to say.
 
So you’re willing to admit they did exist in the Catholic church for at least 200 years?
No. In the Catholic Church it’s a very new phenomenon.

I first encountered it, as child, the late 70’s, in a nun who said she was keen on it. She was a bit … soppy … in how she spoke about it. A little strange. Which was like garlic to a vampire, in my case.
 
‘Charismatic gifts are not to be rashly sought after’. That’s good advice. It’s the same as what you get from more sober non-Christian religious, like Sufis. I understand you can get powers before you have been cleansed of egotism. This can result in serious problems.

The other quotes could just as easily have referred to any religious movement. Of course we want the Holy Spirit in our lives. It’s just that I think that showy emotionalism, especially in the context of a Mass, is not right.

What use is babbling, being slain in the spirit etc.? It’s just like what kids do a rock concerts. It’s catharsis, I suppose, but I don’t think you’ll be holier as a result.

What I want is greater sobriety and peace of mind. I’ve dipped my toe into seeking-after-power. The effects are not good.
 
No. In the Catholic Church it’s a very new phenomenon.

I first encountered it, as child, the late 70’s, in a nun who said she was keen on it. She was a bit … soppy … in how she spoke about it. A little strange. Which was like garlic to a vampire, in my case.
So you disagree Paul and/or the Corinthians were Catholic? thats a novel teaching… or else wht did you write 1800 and not the whole 2000?
 
‘Charismatic gifts are not to be rashly sought after’. That’s good advice. It’s the same as what you get from more sober non-Christian religious, like Sufis. I understand you can get powers before you have been cleansed of egotism. This can result in serious problems.

The other quotes could just as easily have referred to any religious movement. Of course we want the Holy Spirit in our lives. It’s just that I think that showy emotionalism, especially in the context of a Mass, is not right.

What use is babbling, being slain in the spirit etc.? It’s just like what kids do a rock concerts. It’s catharsis, I suppose, but I don’t think you’ll be holier as a result.

What I want is greater sobriety and peace of mind. I’ve dipped my toe into seeking-after-power. The effects are not good.
Well look what St. Paul says: “1 Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, he who prophesies speaks to men for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless some one interprets, so that the church may be edified.” 1 Corinthians 14:1-5.

He says that we should earnestly desire to prophecy (which he notes as greater than speaking in tongues) and he also notes that he wants all of us to speak in tongues.

You must understand that the charismatic gifts are not “awards” for great holiness. They’re tools for the upbuilding of the Church. They’re a big part of Paul’s theology of the Mystical Body of Christ. We all have our different charisms (as he illustrates with the 9 in Corinthians 12) which work together for the upbuilding of the Church.

I think there’s some great misunderstanding between charismatic gifts and extraordinary phenomena - like visions, locutions, etc. We’re meant to seek the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord highlights this in Luke and Matthew, talking about asking and receiving. We’re not meant to seek extraordinary phenomena for ourselves. If they happen great, but don’t seek to have extraordinary consolations. But we are supposed to seek and exercise the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Everybody receives the 7 sanctifying gifts at Confirmation. Everybody receives their own vocational calling. Everybody receives their own charisms that they’re supposed to use for the upbuilding of the Church.

This is not mere emotionalism. This is the service of the Body of Christ. Of course people often get emotional as a response to the love of God - we’re human, we have human bodies with human emotions. Our religion is not a religion for pure spirits, but for humans with bodies and souls.

The use of praying in tongues should be rather obvious - surrendering to the Holy Spirit, and opening your mouth and letting Him speak through you. It’s very contemplative. It’s literally what Paul calls “praying in the Spirit” which he urges us to do at every opportunity. How could you possibly object to praising God in the power of the Holy Spirit? And especially considering how universal this gift seems to be - it’s almost a constant sign int he Acts of the Apostles that when someone receives the Holy Spirit, they speak in tongues.

Being slain in the spirit is an extraordinary phenomena, not a charismatic gift. I myself have never been slain in the spirit. It’s an event seen in the lives of many saints (just look at St. Catherine of Siena, who was slain in the spirit every time she received communion) But you must understand that this is the Holy Spirit acting on the person. The Holy Spirit does this to people. If you object to people being slain in the spirit, take it up with Him.

We’re supposed to live in a “sober intoxication” as St. Ambrose says. It’s not for nothing that the Apostles were considered drunk.

Really, there’s absolutely no good reason to be against receiving and exercising the charismatic gifts. Personally, I need all the help I can get and I’m not going to turn away from any grace that God has to offer.
 
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