The pope has not always been a friend of the charismatic movement. On June 1, he remarked that, years ago when the Catholic Spirit-filled movement began, he did not have much love for charismatics. But meeting with more than 50,000 Catholic charismatics in Romes Olympic Stadium, the pope willingly knelt onstage as those present prayed for him with singing and speaking in tongues, according to Catholic News Service. Pope Francis admitted he was uncomfortable, but he let the charismatic multitude carry on. As he knelt on the stage, the crowd prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill the pontiff and sang with hands raised in his direction. When the song ended, many kept their hands up, singing and continuing to pray in tongues. Over time, the pontiff has come to see the benefits that they have brought to the church. Yet the pope also had some words of rebuke in one speech he gave, warning those within the movement not to attempt to control Gods Spirit, but rather serve as His conduits. Be dispensers of Gods grace, not controllers. Dont be the Holy Spirits customs agents, Pope Francis remarked. For some, putting Catholic and charismatic in the same sentence is an oxymoron. But since the charismatic Catholic renewal began in 1967 in Pittsburgh, it has purportedly grown to 119 million followers worldwide. charismamag/spirit/church-ministry/20557-how-pope-francis-reacted-to-50-000-charismatics-praying-over-him-speaking-in-tongues
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 07:55:16 +0000
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