Charismatic Renewal groups must support parishes, helping and guiding all those involved in their activities and communities, declared Fe Barino, lay member of CISC (CHARIS International Service of Communion).
Addressing participants at the opening of the first National Conference of Charismatic Leaders in Cebu City, Fe, who is also the coordinator of CHARIS Philippines, urged them to remain at the service of the Church. She added: “We are not losing our identity; we continue to have our own identification and our own community, but we must be connected to the parish to serve as a stream of grace for and within the Church”. Continuing: “There are many situations in different parishes and dioceses, but it’s important to understand that we walk together, whether we’re charismatic or not”.
Over 1,200 people took part in the two-day meeting, organized by the CHARIS National Service of Communion, to foster greater collaboration between the country’s charismatic communities.
In creating CHARIS, Pope Francis wanted the Charismatic Renewal to reach a new level of unity in order to establish a single service. In the Philippines, many bishops have appointed spiritual directors and diocesan coordinators to implement the Holy Father’s request.
“We must recognize, and all must be recognized, whatever the size of the community or prayer group. CHARIS is for everyone and is open to all, whatever their expression or reality. We are a family walking together. No one should exist outside or isolated from the Church,” says Fe Barino.
The Cebu meeting brought together participants from 53 of the country’s 86 dioceses. Prior to the event, the CHARIS coordination team and youth leaders also met to plan programs for Asia and Oceania. In October this year, thousands of participants are expected in Cebu for the first CHARIS National Conference.
