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Coming to the 14th station of his catechesis series on the Holy Spirit, the Pope spoke about the gifts and charisms that every Christian receives for his personal and community life. There are no B-category Christians. Lay believers and women are not helpers of the clergy, they contribute to the church’s mission with their specific charisma.
Ágnes Gedő – Vatican
There are differences between the gifts of grace, but the Spirit is the same. There are also differences in services, but the Lord is the same. And there are differences in the manifestations of divine power, but the God who accomplishes all this in everyone is the same. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone to use. But all this is worked by one and the same Spirit, who distributes his gifts to each as he wills. (1 Cor 12.4-7.11)
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Dear brothers! On the last three occasions, we talked about the sanctifying operation of the Holy Spirit, which is realized in the sacraments, prayer and following the example of the Mother of God – the Pope began his catechesis. The Lumen Gentiums. The synodal constitution (LG 12.) writes about this as follows: “The Holy Spirit not only sanctifies, guides and adorns the people of God with virtues through the sacraments and priestly services, but also gives his gifts to whomever he pleases” (1 Cor 12:11). So we also have personal gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us.
The Pope welcomes the pilgrims
Renewal after the Synod
It is time to talk about the other mode of operation of the Holy Spirit, which concerns the charisms. Two factors determine what charisma is. One is that it is a gift that we receive to be used by everyone. The other is a gift that we receive from God individually, each in his own way. Charisms are decorative elements that make the betrothed of Christ more beautiful. XVI. Pope Benedict stated: “Whoever looks at the history of the post-Council era can notice the dynamics of real renewal, which often took unexpected forms in vibrant movements and makes the inexhaustible vitality of the Holy Church almost palpable.”
The role of lay people and women
We need to rediscover the charisms, so that the promotion of the role of the lay faithful, including women, is not only seen as an institutional and sociological factor, but also in its biblical and spiritual dimension. The laity are not the last, they are not the external collaborators or auxiliaries of the clergy. They have their own charismas with which they can contribute to the church’s mission, Pope Francis pointed out.
The Holy Father reads his catechesis
There are no B-category Christians
When we talk about charisms, it is important to dispel a misunderstanding: they are not spectacular and extraordinary gifts and abilities, but ordinary gifts, which are given extraordinary value by the fact that they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and lovingly embodied in life situations. It is important to understand charisms in this way, because many Christians feel sadness and disappointment when they hear about charisms. He is convinced that he doesn’t have one, that he feels left out or a B-category Christian. The Holy Father underlined: No, there are no B-category Christians. Everyone has their own personal and social charisma. He who has love does not possess much. This is why Saint Paul considers love to be the best way (cf. 1 Cor 12:31). This is why I love the church or the community in which I live. All charisma in unity is mine, just as all my charisma, however little it may seem, belongs to everyone, for the benefit of everyone. Love multiplies charisms: one person’s charisma becomes everyone’s – the Pope concluded his Wednesday catechesis.
Saint Peter’s Square with pilgrims
How does Pope Francis’s emphasis on the “mundane” nature of the Holy Spirit’s gifts challenge common perceptions about spiritual gifts?
## Interview: Unpacking the Gifts and Charisms of the Holy Spirit
**Introduction:**
Welcome to today’s discussion on Pope Francis’s recent catechesis focusing on the Holy Spirit’s gifts and charisms. We are joined by Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of theology specializing in pneumatology, and Father Michael O’Brien, a parish priest with extensive experience in lay ministry.
**Section 1: Understanding Gifts and Charisms**
**Host:** Dr. Rodriguez, Pope Francis emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s gifts are not extraordinary, but rooted in the mundane. Could you elaborate on this distinction?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** …
**Host:** Father O’Brien, how can we encourage individuals in our parishes to discern their own charisms, even when they may seem ordinary?
**Father O’Brien:** …
**Section 2: The Role of the Laity**
**Host:** Pope Francis asserts that there are no “B-category Christians”. Dr. Rodriguez, what are the implications of this statement for the Church’s understanding of the laity?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** …
**Host:** Father O’Brien, how can we better integrate the gifts and charisms of the laity into the life of the parish community?
**Father O’Brien:** …
**Section 3: Charisms and Unity**
**Host:** Pope Francis highlights the importance of love in fostering the growth of charisms. Dr. Rodriguez, how does love contribute to the multiplication of charisms within the Church?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** …
**Host:** Father O’Brien, how can we cultivate a spirit of unity and collaboration within our communities, recognizing the interconnected nature of our individual charisms?
**Father O’Brien:** …
**Conclusion:**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insights. This was a fascinating exploration of the gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the essential role of every Christian, regardless of their background or perceived ”level” of spirituality. We hope this discussion encourages our viewers to reflect on their own unique gifts and how they can contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the Church.
