Pontiff Notes Hopes for Charismatic Renewal

VATICAN CITY, MAY 4, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is wishing members of the charismatic renewal a revitalized closeness with the crucified and risen Christ.

The Pope said this in a telegram signed by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and sent to the Italian chapter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, who were gathered last weekend in their 32nd national assembly in Rimini, Italy.

Some 20,000 members were present, as was the president of the Italian bishops' conference, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.

The Holy Father expressed his hopes for "an abundant outpouring of the fruits of the Paraclete" on the gathering.

He also noted his desire that the encounter would "enkindle a renewed adherence to the crucified and risen Christ, a deep fraternal communion and a joyous evangelical witness."

Cardinal Bagnasco gave the opening address, inviting the members to "continue being leaven and light in the building up of history and society."

Salvatore Martínez, president of the Italian Charismatic Renewal, said during the concluding address that the three-day national assembly aimed for "a renewed invitation to evangelization."

"We are ready to offer our service to God," he said. "We are a people that has found new vigor in the proclamation of the Gospel, in a world that needs a true spiritual renewal."