The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is a movement within the Catholic Church that emphasizes the availability of the power and the many gifts of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer, and the need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ in order to live life to the fullest . The CCR has been described as a "current of grace" that began in 1967 when a group of students from Duquesne University experienced a renewal of their faith through a retreat that focused on the role of the Holy Spirit . Since then, over a hundred million Catholics worldwide have been touched by this movement and have witnessed the fruits of the Spirit in their lives .
What does the Vatican say about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal?
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is a movement of the Holy Spirit that has touched millions of Catholics around the world since its beginnings in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, a renewed appreciation of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, and a commitment to evangelization and service.
But what does the Vatican think of this movement? How does it fit into the wider Church and its mission? Here are some key points to consider:
- The Vatican recognizes the CCR as a "current of grace" that belongs to the universal Church. Pope Francis has established a new service called CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service) to foster communion, formation and guidance among all the charismatic groups in the world. CHARIS is not a governing body, but a service of communion that respects the diversity and autonomy of each group. It is under the responsibility of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which appoints its moderator and council members.
- The Vatican encourages the CCR to work for Christian unity and social justice, as well as personal conversion and evangelization. Pope Francis has called upon the charismatic Catholics to take up the invitation of a document from the 1970s, co-written by Archbishop Helder Câmara, a champion of the poor and a candidate for sainthood, that urged the CCR to see the gifts of the Spirit as at the service of the poor and the oppressed. The pope said that unless we accept the judgement of Matthew 25, where Jesus identifies himself with those who suffer, we will not come out better from the pandemic and its aftermath.
- The Vatican also invites the CCR to help dioceses with formation and accompaniment of priests and bishops who are open to the charismatic experience. Pope Francis said that charismatic renewal movements should provide support and advice to bishops and priests by accompanying, guiding and deepening the faith of all those who take part in their initiatives and communities. He said that this is especially important in a time when many people are leaving the Church or becoming indifferent to it.
- The Vatican affirms that the CCR is not a specific movement with founders or leaders, but a renewing breath of the Spirit for all members of the Church. Pope Francis said that the CCR is a challenge for us all to be more docile to the Spirit and more attentive to his voice. He said that we need to let ourselves be guided by him, who leads us to encounter Jesus and to live according to his will. He also said that we need to be open to his surprises, his creativity and his diversity, without imposing our own schemes or plans on him.
One of the main characteristics of the CCR is an openness and desire to share the "gifts of the Spirit", which are described in the New Testament Letters, and which include (but are not limited to) the "charismatic gifts" such as prophecy, healing, tongues, interpretation, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, faith, and miracles . These gifts are meant to edify the Church and to equip the faithful for service and mission. The CCR also fosters a strong devotion to the Eucharist, the Word of God, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, as well as a commitment to prayer, evangelization, social justice, and ecumenism.
Bishop Garmendia: A Pioneer of CCR in The Bronx
One of the most influential figures in the history of CCR in New York was Bishop Francisco Garmendia, who was ordained as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1977, becoming the first Hispanic bishop in New York . Bishop Garmendia had a deep love for the Holy Spirit and for the Hispanic community, especially in The Bronx, where he served as the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and the Vicar for Spanish Pastoral Development. He was also one of the greatest promoters of Divine Mercy in the Archdiocese .
In 1978, Bishop Garmendia founded the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Center (HCCC) at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, which became a hub for CCR activities and retreats that drew Catholics from all over the United States . The HCCC continues to thrive under the loving care of Bishop Josu Iriondo, who succeeded Bishop Garmendia as an auxiliary bishop in 2001. The HCCC offers various programs and services such as prayer groups, Bible studies, healing masses, youth ministry, marriage ministry, music ministry, and spiritual direction.
Bishop Garmendia was also a co-founder of The Hopeline in 1990, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, education, and material assistance to families in need in The Bronx . The Hopeline was established after the tragic Happy Land Social Club fire that killed 87 people, mostly Hispanic immigrants. Bishop Garmendia was deeply moved by this tragedy and wanted to offer hope and help to those who were suffering.
Bishop Garmendia was known for his processions through the streets of The Bronx with the Blessed Sacrament, his Rosary Rallies at Crotona Park, and his Way of the Cross through Bronx neighborhoods on Good Fridays. He also had a daily 3-minute message of hope that he shared with Hispanic radio listeners at WADO. He was a man of prayer and service who inspired many people to follow Christ and to embrace CCR as a way of life.
Bishop Garmendia passed away in 2005 at the age of 75. His friends and admirers have launched websites (http://bishopgarmendia.org/ and www.bishopfranciscogarmendia.com) to honor his life and to promote his cause for sainthood. They ask all who visit this site to join them in prayer that Bishop Francisco Garmendia will be considered as a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church.
In conclusion, the Vatican sees the CCR as a valuable gift for the Church and for the world, as long as it remains faithful to its call and mission. The CCR is called to be a sign of hope, joy and love for all people, especially those who are most in need.
More Information about CCR
If you want to learn more about CCR and how it can enrich your faith journey, you can visit some of these websites:
- https://www.charis.international/en/ : CHARIS is an international service body established by Pope Francis in 2019 to foster communion among all expressions of CCR worldwide.
- https://www.iccrs.org/en/ : ICCRS is an international organization that serves as a liaison between CCR groups and communities with Vatican offices.
- https://www.nsc-chariscenter.org/ : NSC is a national service committee that promotes CCR in the United States.
- https://www.renovacioncarismaticacatolica.com/ : RCC is a national service committee that promotes CCR among Hispanics in the United States.
You can also find local CCR groups and events in your area by contacting your diocesan office or searching online.
CCR is a movement that invites you to experience the love and power of God in a new way, and to share it with others. As Pope Francis said, "The Charismatic Renewal is a great force meant to serve the preaching of the Gospel in the joy of the Holy Spirit" .
References:
: https://www.ccr.org.au/about-ccr/what-is-catholic-charismatic-renewal
: http://www.ccr.org.uk/about-ccr/about/what-is-ccr/
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Charismatic_Renewal
: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=32088
: https://bishopfranciscogarmendia.com
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Garmendia
: http://bishopgarmendia.org/about/
: https://thegoodnewsroom.org/boston-college-study-bronx-catholic-ministries/
: https://news.rcdos.ca/2023/11/06/charismatic-renewal-help-dioceses-with-formation-pope-says/
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