Pope: We must stand in awe of God's grace

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"In a world dominated by the culture of having and efficiency, and also in a Church sometimes too worried about organization - be aware of this! - we all need to make room for thanksgiving, praise, and awe before God's grace," Pope Francis told a delegation of the Renewal in the Holy Spirit movement on Saturday morning.

Addressing those who lead and manage the Italian-based movement on the national level, the Pope offered a pastoral look at their presence and service, encouraging them to stay close to the Lord in all they do and to be concrete in their actions.

"I thank the Lord and I thank you," Pope Francis said, "for the good that the Renewal's communities sow in the midst of God's holy faithful people."

Prayer and evangelization

During the audience in the Vatican, the Pope urged them to go forward in prayer, especially adoration and evangelization.

"The charismatic movement by its very nature gives space and emphasis to prayer, especially prayer of praise, and this is very important," he said.

"I ask you, brothers and sisters, to continue to serve the Church in this, especially by promoting the prayer of adoration," he added, especially a worship "in which silence is predominant, in which the Word of God prevails over our words, in short, a worship in which He, the Lord, is truly at the centre and not us."

Builders of communion

Their members, the Holy Father reiterated, must be at the service of the entire community, diocesan and parish, according to the pastoral indications of the Bishop.

The Pope also stressed the importance of their communion with other ecclesial realities, associations, movements, and groups, in a way that always "bears witness to fraternity, mutual esteem in diversity, collaboration in the commitment to common initiatives, at the service of the people of God, and also on social issues, where the dignity of persons is at stake."

Pope Francis receives delegation of the Renewal in the Holy Spirit movement

"I urge you to be builders of communion, first among yourselves, within your movement, and then in your parishes and dioceses," he said.

The Holy Father concluded by expressing how he has grown to appreciate their movement more over the years, inviting them to go forward with joy, and entrusting them to the Blessed Mother.