Pope: Charism of the Community of the Beatitudes is a gift

By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis welcomed members of the Community of the Beatitudes to the Vatican on Monday, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their foundation.

After several reorganizations, the group, which rose out of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, was recognized by the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life as “an Ecclesial Family of Consecrated Life of diocesan right” in 2020. It is the first community of this kind.

A gift to the Church and the world

In a prepared address that was handed to representatives of the community, Pope Francis described their charism as “a gift for the Church and for the world.” He highlighted both the “eschatological dimension” and the “experience of Pentecost” as central to their identity, noting that “with their impetus, [their charism] still expands and manifests itself through life in the Spirit, the communion of states of life, and the apostolate.”

The eschatological dimension, he said, makes present the Kingdom of God in liturgy, song, and fraternal life, while the experience of Pentecost is expressed in “the constant search for union with God,” realized through Mass, Adoration, prayer in the Carmelite tradition, and continuous prayer in accordance with Eastern Christian spirituality.

Wide and varied apostolates

Pope Francis praised the “vast and varied” apostolates undertaken by the Community, including liturgies, retreats, and humanitarian projects in developing countries. He noted, in particular, the groups work aiding minors in need, assisting disabled or malnourished children, and helping disadvantaged families and single mothers.

“All this,” the Pope said, “is cause for giving thanks to God, especially your commitment to the service of the most fragile and marginalized people in a society polluted by the culture of waste.”

'Your witness is an inspiration'

After mentioning several other ministries fulfilled by members of the Community, Pope Francis said he was grateful to them “for the commitment you show in consecrated life and the service you offer to the Church and to the world.” He expressed gratitude, too, for the “valuable contribution” they make to interreligious dialogue, the promotion of peace, and the defence of human rights, saying, “Your witness is an inspiration to many.”

Concluding his address to the group, Pope Francis invited them “to go forward and persevere in your mission with zeal and without fear, to bear witness to the faith with joy and hope, and to remain always open and docile to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”