Paul KeenanOver 50,000 members gather in Rome
A major gathering of members of the Charismatic Renewal movement welcomed Pope Francis to Romeís Olympic stadium last weekend.
Over 50,000 people, drawn from 55 countries, had travelled to Rome for the June 1 event, entitled ëRenewal in the Spirití, and organised by the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services and the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships. Participants rapturously greeted the Pontiff as he appeared on stage to address them and, to the joy of all, to join them in song during a performance of Vive Jesus, El Senor (Jesus, the Lord, Lives).
"I hope that you will share with all in the Church the grace of baptism in the Holy Spirit,î the Pope told the gathering. ìI expect from you an evangelisation with the Word of God that proclaims that Jesus lives and loves all humankind."
At the conclusion of his address, the Pope extended an invitation to charismatic to make the journey to St Peterís Square in 2017 at Pentecost to mark the 50th anniversary of the Charismatic Renewal movement.