On that first Pentecost in the upper room, the Holy Spirit came and filled Mary and the apostles with power from on high. Transformed, they boldly set forth to proclaim the Good News speaking "in foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech" (Acts. 2:1-4).

Following the second Vatican Council (1962-1965), there was a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A new transformation of the people began for God wants His people to live in the fullness of His life (John 10:10).

Catholics began coming together in groups to pray for an understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how to exercise them as they were given. This movement within the Church became known as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. This Renewal is for the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church. It was approved by Pope John Paul II and is approved by our Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe.

(*Charismatic: from the word charism meaning gift of God)