Pope Francis came to know the Charismatic Renewal many years ago. He was aware of its initial risks and its subsequent maturation in the Spirit.
He also believed that unity is greater than the sum of its parts and that a unique and new service could favour a greater unfolding of its charisms placed at the service of the Church, of the unity of Christians and of the world.
He then asked that a single international service be constituted for the whole stream of grace.
Three years ago, CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service) was launched for the entire Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.
In the Paul VI Hall, on June 8, 2019, Pope Francis pointed out to us the mission of CHARIS:
- to share with everyone in the Church the richness of the baptism in the Holy Spirit;
- to work for Christian unity and
- to serve the poorest, those most in need of everything, physically and spiritually.
Those of us who were called to serve are doing so with joy, enthusiasm, great will and faith. We encounter the difficulties inherent in new things, but we count on the support of prayer, the fraternity of our brothers and the accompaniment of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
In 2019, we understood this service as a real challenge. Then, the pandemic and today the unjust war in Ukraine show us that the evangelizing challenge is a growing and urgent need.
The world needs Jesus. To proclaim Him is the mission of the Church, we are called to spread the Good News: “Jesus is Alive” This is the service that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal must give to the world, today more than ever.
Putting in common the gifts and inspirations that God gives to His people, we begin to walk this path.
CHARIS is committed to this service.
We thank all those who accompany us and invite anyone who feels called to this fellowship of service to join us.
Pino Scafuro
CHARIS Moderator
