Pope Leo had five points to reflect on as he met with the Charismatic Renewal in Rome on May 30, noting that it was his first meeting with them, and that in welcoming and praising their ministry, he was following in the footsteps of his predecessors back to St. Paul VI.
The Holy Father went pope by pope and shared various words of praise and encouragement given to the Charismatic Renewal, and then added: "I, too, wish to foster the relationship of mutual respect, closeness, and support between the See of Peter and the great family of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal."
He then went on to focus on five elements of their spiritual experience.
1Baptism in the Spirit
"Your shared journey of faith has its source in the personal experience of the Holy Spirit, which has enabled the grace of Baptism to become effective within each of you, leading you to a clear awareness of God’s love," he said.
The Pope quoted St. Augustine's similar experience, noting how, "The Holy Spirit has likewise allowed you to taste the sweetness of Christ. For you, too, life has changed since that moment."
God ceased to be a mere idea and became the real and ultimate expression of fatherhood. His Spirit has brought inner reconciliation, peace and freedom from worldly attachments and the oppression of sin. He has also made possible a new outlook characterized by openness and hope towards others and the future, in the certainty that nothing can ever separate us from the love of Christ
2Praise
From this "captivating experience of the Holy Spirit" brings a "new life of prayer," that takes the form of "a new capacity for spontaneous and sincere dialogue with God, and a new openness to praise, worship, and offering thanksgiving to him."
Worship and praise, which are so characteristic of your gatherings, are essential aspects of Christian prayer, and you have helped them to be rediscovered and brought them back to the forefront in recent years.
3Scripture
Pope Leo also noted their "living encounter with Sacred Scripture," which has become "a wonderful source of spiritual nourishment that enlightens and comforts."
4Communion
"The Holy Spirit is the wellspring of communion," the Pope noted. And "you have seen that unity in the Church is the fruit of the Spirit."
5Charity
"The renewed presence of the Spirit has awakened in you a new capacity to love, inspired by divine charity itself," the Pope said. "This love is directed toward God and toward your brothers and sisters, and inspires closeness and compassion, especially for those who are suffering."
The Holy Father concluded by urging the members of the Charismatic Renewal to "put yourselves at the service of the dioceses and parishes, offering your experience and methods of evangelization."
