The first Worldwide Catholic Charismatic Renewal Encounter for Prayer Groups was held April 3-6 in various locations in Rome, Italy, and brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 65 countries.

Keynote speakers included Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Michelle Moran, Katia Roldi, Jean-Christophe Sakiti, Father Hayden Williams, and Andres Arango.

The Archdiocese of New York was represented by a group of 20 people, including members of the team of the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Center, along with its director, Father Fredy Patiño, and several leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the archdiocese.

“This event was, without a doubt, a very special and transforming experience. It was full of the presence of the Holy Spirit, of words that touched the heart, of living prayer, of fraternity among cultures, and of renewed hope,” said Father Fredy Patiño about his participation in the event.

“I feel immensely blessed to have participated. It was a time when God spoke powerfully, confirming his love for his Church and reminding us that we are not alone. Seeing so many people from different countries come together to worship, pray, and seek the Lord was a clear sign that God was moving mightily at this time. I leave this meeting with a strong conviction: God is doing and will continue to do great things in the Church and in the world. This is just the beginning of something much greater that the Lord is preparing. Glory to God for what has been, for what is, and for what is to come,” Father Patiño added.

Opening Eucharist at the San Damaso Courtyard

The Courtyard of San Damaso, located in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, is an emblematic place where the Pope often receives heads of state and official delegations. It is also the main entrance to the papal apartments and the offices of the Curia.

It was in this solemn place that the opening ceremony of the first Worldwide Catholic Charismatic Renewal Encounter for Prayer Groups took place. Bishop Joseph Espaillat was one of the main speakers and with prophetic power, he reminded us that we are all “ambassadors of Christ.” He offered a profound catechesis on the spiritual preparation to enter through the Holy Door and receive the Plenary Indulgence on the occasion of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

On the same day, participants made a prayerful procession through the Vatican Gardens, interceding for Pope Francis, the Church, world peace, and the needs of all humanity.

The day also included a special greeting from His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, current Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

The opening Eucharist was celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore in India. His celebration set the spiritual tone for the meeting with a Mass full of faith, unity and hope.

Conferences at Fraterna Domus

The main sessions of the meeting were held at Fraterna Domus, a center of spirituality and hospitality in Rome, run by a religious community of women committed to Christian service, fraternity and simplicity, inspired by the values of the Gospel.

During these days, Bishop Joseph Espaillat played a central role as one of the spiritual leaders of the event. On Saturday evening, he presided over a moving Holy Hour in which he prayed especially for the young people, as well as for the priests, deacons, and families present.

He also presided at the closing Eucharist, giving an inspiring homily. At the end of the Mass, he sent out the delegates and prayer group leaders from around the world, sending them forth with authority and hope as witnesses of the Holy Spirit for a new Pentecost in the Church.

Letter from Pope Francis

The first Worldwide Catholic Charismatic Renewal Encounter for Prayer Groups was an event convened by Pope Francis, who was scheduled to participate on the first day but was unable to attend due to his current physical condition. He sent the following letter:

“Dear brothers and sisters,

“I send my greetings to all of you who, at the invitation of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, are celebrating your Jubilee “in the heart of the Church,” raising to the Lord an intense prayer of intercession for the People of God and for the whole world.

“In this way, just as the beating heart pumps blood throughout the entire body, you desire to dedicate yourselves not only to the Church but also open yourselves to her universal dimensions, making your own the intentions of the Holy Father, especially for peace and reconciliation. The Holy Spirit, the gift of the Risen Lord, is the source of communion, harmony, and fraternity. This is precisely what the Church is: a new and reconciled humanity.

“Dear friends, this experience is not meant for you alone. It is for everyone! Share it with the world as a source of hope and peace. The Spirit can grant true peace to human hearts, which is necessary for overcoming conflicts in our families, in society, and among nations. I urge you to be witnesses and artisans of peace and unity, always striving to build communion, beginning with your groups and communities. May the regard you show to your leaders never become an occasion of conflict. Be ever ready to cooperate with others, particularly with your parish communities, and the Lord will bless you with abundant fruits.

“I thank you for your closeness and I accompany you with my blessing. I pray for you and ask you, please, to continue to pray for me!

“FRANCIS
From the Vatican, March 29, 2025”