www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology What is Charism?

I have been talking to an acquaintance who have started a private association of the faithful and he intends it to become a religious congregation someday. When I questioned him about the charism of the congregation, his replies are:

1. With the issue of our charism, that is a matter of privacy within the local Ordinary, the Charismatic and Ecclesiastical Founder, and of the association. It can be seen in the mission and apostolate of the association.

2. The charism is, canonically and theologically, must be private because it is the gift of the Spirit that each members carry and apply from the moment they enter religious life.

Unfortunately, it is not the bishop who established the association but it was approved by him.

My question: In general, is the charism private? If not, why?

My understanding is that a charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit and it used to build up the Church. Thus it is not private but rather public.

Any idea?

Elexeie,

First of all, congratulations to your friend for undertaking such a work for the glory of God!

It does, however, seem a bit strange that he regards the new association's charism as a private matter. As you said:
As I reflect on this, I think the problem is that he is understanding the term "charism" in a slightly different way: either as the individual charisms of the group's members, or else the more subtle and personal working of the Holy Spirit within the group. Understood in this way, a "charism" could be seen as something private.

Traditionally, however, the term charism has been used to refer to the group/community's specific ministry, along with their unique approach to that ministry. In this sense it is indeed public.


I don't understand why it would be better if the bishop were the one who established the association, rather than laypeople.


Peace,
Deacon Richard

Elexeie,

My discernment of "charism" is formed by 1Corinthians, Chapter 12.

Verse seven answers the question whether it's a matter of privacy, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

Fr Deacon Paul

Dear Deacon Richard,

My reaction in regards to the bishop not establishing the association is based on what he said that the bishop knows their charism because he is the founder. Unfortunately, it is not true since in their manual, it was stated who are the founders of the group and the bishop is not one of them. For me, this is misleading.

In Christ,
Ruel

Dear Father,

Bless!!!

Indeed. I definitely agree. Thank you for pointing this.

Off topic, but it is good to see you posting here again, elexeie. I was afraid that your brief appearance to thank the members for prayers was going to be just that - a brief appearance. I'm pleased to see that you're back with us, even if only for a while.

Many years,

Neil

Hi Neil!

Hahaha =) I was kind of busy in the past years creating the formation program for the Lay Carmelites and still there are work to be done. I'll try to be active now that I have a mobile internet which I can plug-in anywhere. =)

Cordial greetings!