MAJOR ROLE OF CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC IN ECUMENISM

PART OF SERIES, "ECUMENISM: ADDRESSING ISSUES TOWARDS POSITIVE DIALOGUE"

Author: Ken Klark L. Flores

Photo: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu / Facebook (October 25, 2025; 10:39 PM)

Introduction

Catholic Charismatic Movements became the major role that young catholics serve as a compelling alternative to joining Evangelical/Pentecostal/Non-Catholic Charismatic Movements. And it was directly influenced by an encounter with Protestant Pentecostalism, and ecumenism has been an intrinsic characteristic of the movement from its very beginning. 

History

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal originated in February 1967(almost 14 months after conclusion of the Second Vatican Council on December 8, 1965. Although the Catholic Church also formally began entering the modern ecumenism movement during and after the Second Vatican Council. ) when a group of Catholic students and professors at Duquesne University attended a Protestant prayer meeting and experienced what is described as the "baptism in the Holy Spirit," a central tenet of Pentecostalism. They adopted Pentecostal practices such as an emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus, emotional expression of faith, faith healing, prophecy, and glossolalia (speaking in tongues) (History of the Catholic Charismatic Movement, 2018; ARTICLE – Understanding the Charismatic Renewal within Catholic Theology – Diocese of Pembroke, 2025).

Recognition

The potential for ecumenism was noted by the Catholic hierarchy early on. The movement enjoys support from popes, including Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, who have acknowledged its vitality and its role in fostering Christian unity. Pope Francis has identified the CCR as an important instrument for the Church's ecumenical efforts. In 2019, Pope Francis inaugurated CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service), a new body with public juridic personality whose objectives include promoting and working for unity among all Christians (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, 2021).

Movements

"El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International" (founded in 1981 as radio program) is the largest Catholic charismatic movement in the Philippines. Led by founder Mariano "Brother Mike" Velarde who as real estate developer and televangelist, the group has millions of followers in the Philippines and in international chapters comprised mainly of overseas Filipino workers ‌(El-Shaddai., n.d.) Despite charismatic worship practices that may seem similar to an Evangelical or Pentecostal megachurch, El Shaddai is recognized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and is considered a Catholic lay organization (Wiegele, K. L., 2006)

"Couples for Christ" (CFC) is an international Catholic lay movement founded in the Philippines in 1981, focused on renewing and strengthening Christian family life through a commitment to evangelization and service. It achieves this goal by helping couples develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and strengthen their marital bonds through various programs and a strong community network, which includes other ministries for different age groups. The movement's mission extends to building up the "Church of the Home" and the "Church of the Poor," working towards "Total Christian Liberation" through social justice and community development (Couples for Christ | Christ the King Parish Church Greenmeadows Quezon City Philippines, n.d.).

"The Feast" is a popular Catholic Charismatic Community (under the umbrella of the Light of Jesus Family), founded by Eugenio Isabelo Tomas Reyes Sanchez Jr., also known as Bo Sanchez in 1980 as his parents started as a small prayer group in their home, that holds weekly gatherings featuring lively worship and inspirational talks, often within a church or similar venue. It is part of the larger Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, which aims to foster a more personal and vibrant experience of the Holy Spirit within the Catholic Church.

"The Lord's Flock" is a Catholic charismatic community that originated in the Philippines. It was founded on April 4, 1986, by Brother Bobby Rodriguez and Sister Techie Molina-Rodriguez, who currently serve as the community's Elder-Founders (Our Leadership - the Lord’s Flock, 2022). It is a recognized Catholic community and has been a member of the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Communities (an international association under the Pontifical Council for the Laity) since 2005.

The "Oasis of Love" in the Philippines is a prominent Catholic Charismatic Renewal Community. It is an integrated faith community founded on love and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, with centers in Manila, Cebu, and various chapters across the country and overseas. 

Challenges

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) faces several internal and external challenges, including integration with the broader Church, potential for emotional excess, doctrinal misunderstandings, and issues of governance (Charismatic Renewal – the Challenge – Catholic Stand, 2022). Non-charismatic Catholics, especially Traditionalist Catholics sometimes view the movement with suspicion, observing a "holier-than-thou" or proud attitude among some members who feel they have a more authentic experience of the Holy Spirit. There can be friction with more traditional Catholic spirituality due to the CCR's emphasis on emotional experiences and expressive worship styles (e.g., clapping, shouting, physical expressions), which some find uncomfortable or disorderly in a communal liturgy setting.

Some members may erroneously believe that certain charismatic actions, such as the "laying of hands," are a substitute for the Church's sacraments or that emotional experience is necessary for grace, a view contrary to Catholic doctrine that sacraments work ex opere operato (by the action itself). Critics argue that while the CCR is strong on surface-level theology, it can lack depth in liturgical and spiritual theology, which has led to some abuses that require correction from Church authorities. The movement's informal nature, with no single hierarchy, can lead to disagreements and problems. While this is seen by some as a sign of the Spirit's organic working, it necessitates strong pastoral care and oversight from local bishops to prevent issues from arising.

The immediacy of spiritual experiences can lead some new members to believe they have reached the summit of the spiritual life, potentially fostering spiritual pride. Over-reliance on emotional euphoria can also be a challenge if not supported by deep, long-term personal prayer and theological teaching, leading some to drift away when the initial fervor fades.(What Is the Nature of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal? | NSC Dba Pentecost Today USA, n.d.; Daniel, 2010; The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, 2025)

Reference

History of the Catholic Charismatic Movement. (2018, May 29). Catholic Faith Store; catholicfaithstore.myshopify.com. https://www.catholicfaithstore.com/a/daily-bread/post/history-of-the-catholic-charismatic-movement/

ARTICLE – Understanding the Charismatic Renewal within Catholic Theology – Diocese of Pembroke. (2025). Pembrokediocese.com. https://pembrokediocese.com/article/understanding-the-charismatic-renewal-within-catholic-theology/

Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service. (2021, April 21). The Birth of CHARIS and its Importance for Catholic Charismatic Renewal - CHARIS. CHARIS. https://www.charis.international/en/the-birth-of-charis-and-its-importance-for-catholic-charismatic-renewal/

‌El-Shaddai. (n.d.). LUNGRAWN. https://lungrawn.weebly.com/el-shaddai.html

Wiegele, K. L. (2006). Catholics Rich in Spirit: El Shaddai’s Modern Engagements | Philippine Studies 54, no. 4. https://scispace.com/pdf/catholics-rich-in-spirit-el-shaddai-s-modern-engagements-53nto94x53.pdf

‌Couples for Christ | Christ the King Parish Church Greenmeadows Quezon City Philippines. (n.d.). Christthekingparish.ph. https://christthekingparish.ph/couples-for-christ/

Our Leadership - The Lord’s Flock. (2022, January 24). The Lord’s Flock. https://lordsflock.org/history-and-leadership/

‌Charismatic Renewal – The Challenge – Catholic Stand. (2022, August 18). Catholicstand.com. https://catholicstand.com/charismatic-renewal-the-challenge/

Daniel, K. (2010). An assessment of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal towards peaceful co-existence in the Roman Catholic Church. International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 2(8), 171–177. https://academicjournals.org/journal/IJSA/article-full-text-pdf/962EF981501

‌The Catholic Charismatic Renewal. (n.d.). District of the USA. https://sspx.org/en/catholic-charismatic-renewal-30686

What is the Nature of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal? | NSC dba Pentecost Today USA. (n.d.). https://www.nsc-chariscenter.org/what-is-the-nature-of-the-catholic-charismatic-renewal/

‌Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the views of any religion or movement. This article is for Religious and Educational Purposes only.

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