On November 2 to 4 the “Called, Transformed and Sent” event took place where about 3,000 people from different continents from all charismatic realities of the world are gathered together. 

The principal speakers, the main international leaders, including H.Em. Card. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., Patti Mansfield – pioneer of the CCR in America, José Prado Flores – founder of the San Andrés Schools of Evangelization, of Mexico, Fr. James Mallon – founder of Divine Renovation Ministry, of Canada, Matt Lozano – Director of Formation of Unbound Ministry, United States and Michelle Moran – leader of the CCR among others.

Saturday 4 November we gathered in the same Paul VI Hall for the last day of the meeting. After a charismatic prayer, the first talk was given by Fr Hayden Williams. The reflection contained essential points that touched the hearts of the audience, who responded with a clear sign of assent. Fr Hayden said, “we must contemplate God’s desire, return to the heart of God as source and beginning”. Only from this contemplation can we live in union with the Church and with all peoples, understanding that Baptism in the Spirit is not something exclusive, but for all: both among the Churches and among all the faithful. This was followed by a number of speeches urging Christian unity. Among the speakers were also some Pentecostal and Evangelical pastors. 

Returning from the lunch break was the speech – always profound and enlightening – by H.Em. Card. Raniero Cantalamessa. Fr. Raniero said: “Pope Francis is a gift that the Holy Spirit has given to the whole Church, but in particular to us of the Charismatic Renewal. […] What does the Holy Father expect from the CCR and in particular from its service body that is CHARIS? To contribute to the evangelisation effort of the Church. To be committed to the poor and the needy. To work for Christian unity”. 

The afternoon also saw the arrival of the Holy Father Pope Francis, who – after the usual greetings – invited the CHARIS organism and all its members to reflect on what has already been done and what still needs to be done.

He says: “I know that you are doing a review and so it is appropriate to ask some questions: how is the work of CHARIS going? How are the local communion services progressing? What messages are they sending us? What is the state of health of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world? Is it growing in ecclesial maturity? The latter, in fact, is the main purpose of your service, which must always be kept in mind, first of all in prayer“. The Holy Father then urged people to pray for peace and not to promote any kind of war, which only destroys.

The event concluded with the ‘Youth Concert for Peace’, performed by the Criança Cidadã Orchestra, Hillsong Spain, the Music Ministry of France, Korean dances and some testimonies by young people from the CCR.

Speech by Pope Francis to participants in the event