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renewal in the spirit

June 1, 2004

RENEWAL IN THE SPIRIT

"GREAT NEED"

Our time stands in great need of men and women who ... can communicate the fascination of the Gospel and the beauty of new life in the Spirit.

"BEAUTIFIED AND EDIFIED"

With the overwhelming force of prayers of praise and the grace that flows from sacramental life, the Spirit ceaselessly pours out His charisms on the Ecclesial Community so that it may be constantly beautified and edified.

"THE DARING OF FAITH"

It is necessary ... to respond to Christs Gospel with the daring of faith that is mother to all miracles of love, and with that firm trust which makes us implore God for every good for the salvation of our souls.

"A TRUE DISCIPLE"

Each person ..., as a true disciple of Jesus, must apply himself constantly to following His teachings, making his own journey of spiritual renewal an on-going school of conversion and holiness.

"A LIVING REALITY"

Thanks to the Charismatic Movement, a multitude of Christians, men and women, young people and adults have rediscovered Pentecost as a living reality in their daily lives.

"A RENEWED INCENTIVE"

I hope that the spirituality of Pentecost will spread in the Church as a renewed incentive to prayer, holiness, communion and proclamation.

"THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Let us implore and welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit, the light of truth, the power of authentic peace.

CONFORMED TO CHRIST

Conformed by the Holy Spirit to Christ ..., believers become His witnesses, sowers of hope and artisans of mercy and of peace.

"A PROVIDENTIAL RESPONSE"

The ecclesial movements and new communities are a "providential response", "given by the Holy Spirit" to todays demand for the new evangelization, for which "there is so much need today for mature Christian personalities" as well as for "living Christian communities" (cf. homily at the prayer vigil on the eve of Pentecost, 5/30//98).

"THE MIRACLES OF PENTECOST"

Let us ... turn to Mary Most Holy... Let us confidently invoke her maternal intercession, so that the miracles of Pentecost may be renewed and all people can accept the Good News of salvation.

(Sources: Regina Caeli, 5/30/04; homily at First Vespers of Pentecost, 5/29/04; message to Renewal in the Spirit, 4/29/04)