Pope Francis said this to charismatics about glorification.
Speaking to the Italian charismatic movement on January 20, 2024, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of prayer, especially adoration:
"Due to the nature of the charismatic movement, it prioritizes prayer, especially praise and glorification, this is very important.
In a world where the culture of possession and efficiency prevails, and in a Church where sometimes organization is more important, we all need to make room for thanksgiving, praise, glorification, so that we can marvel at God's grace."
The Pope asked the members of the charismatic movement to continue the service of worship, where silence also plays an important role,
"because the Lord is in the center, not us."
The Holy Father also highlighted the importance of preaching the Gospel, evangelization, which is also "part of the DNA of the charismatic movement". In the proclamation of the Gospel, the main role belongs to the Holy Spirit: "The Holy Spirit accepted into our hearts and lives prompts us to open up, to move, to step out, the Spirit always prompts us to pass on the Gospel, to step out - and this is done by With his endless imagination.
We just have to be open to Him and cooperate with Him!"
The Pope emphasized that we must bear witness primarily with our lives:
"What good are long prayers and beautiful songs if I can't be patient with my neighbor, if I can't be there with my lonely mother or people in need..."
Pope Francis told how his relationship with charismatics developed:
"in the beginning I didn't like the movement, I said it was a samba school, not a church movement. Later, when I saw how they functioned as an archbishop, how they filled the cathedral with their meetings, I began to develop a great respect for you. Continue, but not as a samba school, but as a church movement!"
Featured image: Vatican Media
