Philippine charismatic leaders heed to Pope’s call to expand life in the Spirit seminars

In line with the call of Pope Francis to “Expand the Life in the Spirit Seminars in all places and for everyone,” CHARIS Philippines has organized a national convention open for members of charismatic organizations all over the country.

The three-day convention (October 4-6, 2024) called CHARISCON Philippines 2024 will be held at IC3 in Cebu City with the theme, “One CHARIS, One Mission”.

CHARISCON follows close on the heels of the 1st Charismatic National Leaders Conference, which was held last July 27-28, 2024, in Cebu City. It served as the kick-off to the convention which is set to open tomorrow, October 4.

The host of CHARISCON is the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals BCBP in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cebu Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services ACCCRS, the umbrella organization of all charismatic groups in the archdiocese.

In a television interview over the Catholic station CCTN Channel 47, Alan John Larot, vice chair of the Archdiocese Commission on the Laity and member of the BCBP, said over 1,000 participants have so far registered and preparations for the event are at 99.00 % although they still welcome late registrants even if it’s already past the deadline.

He called on the local charismatic population to take advantage of the convention is being held in Cebu City because it would spare them from plane fare and hotel accommodation expenses.

CHARISCON Philippines has lined up 10 presenters on topics such as charismatic identity, the culture of the baptism in the spirit, and conversation in the Holy Spirit, among others.

Ms. Fe Barino, coordinator of CHARIS Philippines and a member of CHARIS Asia Oceania National Service of Communion, said the 3-day convention is a “refreshment” for charismatics who may be feeling a bit tired and looking for fresh teachings on charismatic renewal after many years of being in their respective communities.

The spiritual boost will inspire participants and give them renewed energy to spread the Gospel, according to Ms. Barino.

Meanwhile, Fr. Bartolome Pastor, Spiritual Director of CHARIS Philippines, will lead a special clergy session on the sidelines of the event to discuss the role and function of Catholic Charismatic Renewal spiritual directors, including archdiocesan and parish coordinators of different charismatic communities.

Plans to organize a national association of CCR spiritual directors have been a topic of group conversation since last year.