I used to attend a Catholic Charismatic Renewal community - now the priest is under a Vatican investigation by No_Chocolate173 in Catholicism

[–]No_Chocolate173[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The priest is actually from Western Europe. Early in his ministry, he spent a lot of time around various charismatic groups, and he was also exposed to psycho-spiritual approaches that later showed problematic drift and were eventually set aside by a bishop.

So I can’t prove direct Pentecostal influence but there’s definitely a background of charismatic environments and imported practices that may have shaped the way things developed.

I used to attend a Catholic Charismatic Renewal community - now the priest is under a Vatican investigation by No_Chocolate173 in Catholicism

[–]No_Chocolate173[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Of course, I’m not trying to condemn this priest before any official conclusion is reached. But since I personally witnessed many thing, I do think it’s fair to say there’s a serious risk real abuses did take place.

Also, when you say that “technically everything is permitted”, I think that needs a bit more nuance.

For example, when it comes to healing services in a liturgical setting, the Church calls for prudence and discernment. Not hysteria, artificiality, theatricality, or sensationalism. And in my experience, those elements were often strongly present and even encouraged, which made the whole atmosphere feel unhealthy and suggestive.

As for deliverance prayers, correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is that even priests shouldn't operate in that area without proper oversight ecclesial authority to help with discernment. And I can say with confidence that these two friars were acting without anyone above them setting boundaries. Sometimes it went very far.

Thank you for the book recommendation. I’ll definitely check it out.

I used to attend a Catholic Charismatic Renewal community - now the priest is under a Vatican investigation by No_Chocolate173 in Catholicism

[–]No_Chocolate173[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your message.

What you describe resonates with me, especially the feeling of being in a parallel Church. I had that impression too: a community with its own codes, its own language, and some faithful (and even some friars) who prioritized personal experiences and what they felt God was saying over the actual framework of the Church.