Philippine diocesan and Charismatic Spiritual Directors unite to address challenges in Charismatic Communities

In response to growing concerns surrounding governance and service in charismatic communities, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, the episcopal adviser of CHARIS Philippines, has called for forming a society of diocesan and charismatic spiritual directors.

This initiative seeks to foster dialogue and address issues raised by priests who have expressed reservations and misunderstandings regarding charismatic renewal.

The call stems from the observation that many priests, particularly those who have not been introduced to the theology of charismatic renewal, often struggle with certain aspects of charismatic worship, such as baptism in the Spirit and charismatic expressions of prayer.

According to Fr. Jerome Antogop, father moderator of Mary’s Little Children Community (MLCC), a charismatic congregation based in Minglanilla, Cebu, these misunderstandings can lead to friction between clergy and the lay faithful involved in charismatic movements.

In an interview with Radio Veritas Asia during the 1st National Charismatic Leaders Conference held in Cebu City on July 27-28, 2024, Fr. Antogop shared that Archbishop Palma convened a meeting with diocesan spiritual directors, priests, and spiritual directors from charismatic congregations on June 7.

The gathering aimed to address the attitudes and reservations of some clergy toward the charismatic renewal and explore ways to bridge the gap.

During the conference, over 50 diocesan spiritual directors and priests from charismatic congregations engaged in fruitful discussions about the role and relationship of diocesan spiritual directors appointed by their bishops in guiding charismatic communities.

One key issue highlighted was the frequent lack of education among clergy about the theology of the charismatic renewal, a gap that Fr. Antogop attributed to the absence of such teachings during their seminary formation.

Fr. Antogop also emphasized the need for further theological education on the charisms of the Holy Spirit. He cited Dr. Moses Catan, a theologian and Director of Scripture and Evangelization for Elim Communities, as a valuable resource in deepening the understanding of charismatic spirituality.

In a separate interview, Fr. Bartolome “Bart” Pastor, spiritual director of CHARIS National, pointed out the challenges arising from the relationship between diocesan spiritual directors and trans-parochial charismatic communities, such as Elim, Couples for Christ, El Shaddai, and the Brotherhood of Christian Business Professionals.

These communities often have their own spiritual directors and centralized leadership, leading to complexities in coordinating with diocesan structures.

Fr. Pastor stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving these concerns. He noted that while there are no established guidelines for such situations, the principle of governance within the charismatic renewal lies with the bishops, who delegate authority to diocesan spiritual directors.

However, he emphasized that the primary focus should not be governance but service for the common good and the building up of the Church.

Reflecting on the process, Fr. Pastor encouraged the priests to embrace the words of Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing.”

He expressed optimism that this initiative could pave the way for greater unity and understanding within the synodal journey of the Church.

Fr. Antogop echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the formation of a society of spiritual directors will soon come to fruition. “Moving forward, we can be God’s instruments in a synodal Church,” he concluded.