Faith Magazine Article: Catholic Charismatic Prayer Groups in Memphis

By: Sergio Fuentes

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal was born in the Church more than 50 years ago. This “current of grace” inside the Church began in Pittsburgh, Pa., when a group of students got together for a weekend retreat to study the Acts of the Apostles. It was there that the Lord sent the Holy Spirit, just as it happened during Pentecost. The result has become what is called the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It is known for its you’ll worship, preaching of the Gospel and for many gifts nd charisms that the Lord gives to whomever and however for the well-being of the community and the Holy Church. The Charismatic Renewal offers renewal and enrichment experiences called Life in the Spirit seminars. These seminars enliven the graces conferred at baptism and confirmation. They create a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus and unleash gifts and resulting fruits of the Holy Spirit. Through these seminars, we are inspired to testify that Christ has changed our lives, and we can be like His apostles and be faithful to the promise of Christ who said, “you will be my witnesses.” Also, we must remember the words of our Lord when He met with Nicodemus, “I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) I can say with certainty that, here in the city of Memphis, and surrounding States, we are very blessed to have so many people willing to organize and prepare for seminars that are truly blessed and fruitful especially in their various cultural communities. The product of these seminars is an increase in the number of Catholic Christians who have become faithful to prayer, devoted to the Eucharist and have a love for scripture, a concern for the needy, a calling for evangelization, a calling to the priesthood, the diaconate or religious life, a calling to a life of sanctity. As we continue to seek opportunities to grow in diversity to our existing eight Anglo and Hispanic prayer groups, we have experienced, time and again, the outpouring of many gifts of the Holy Spirit through music, preaching, healing and deliverance. Thanks to the unconditional support we receive from our priests, we are able to hold events and retreats. Just to name a few of these priests: Fr. David Knight, Father Robert Favazza and Father Enrique Granados. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit has always been active in the Church, but the Charismatic Catholic Renewal plays a very important role, it is what keeps the flame of our spiritual life lit. It’s in us, within our families, within the Church and within our hearts. It’s what gives us the strength to tell the world with faith and trust that Jesus is the only solution. Amen.+