I. Charism - La Salle.org

40
III. CHARISM IN THE CHURCH
Mutuae Relationes also provides a list of criteria to guide an institute’s
discernment of its charism and its activities: “fidelity to the
Lord, docility to his Spirit, intelligent attention to the signs of the
times, willingness to be part of the Church, awareness of subordination
to the sacred hierarchy, boldness of initiatives, constancy in
giving of self, humility in bearing with adversities”. (Nº 12).
Mutuae Relationes calls for “apostolic diligence... to devise new,
ingenious, and courageous ecclesial experiments under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit... Responsiveness rich in creative initiative is
eminently compatible with the charismatic nature of the religious
life.” (19) Three criteria determine the authenticity of a charism: (1)
its special origin from the Spirit, (2) a profound ardor of love to be
conformed to Christ, and (3) a constructive love of the Church.
(Nº 51).
Pope John Paul II’s extensive writings over a period of twenty-five
years continuously include the concept of charism. His many references
to “hierarchical and charismatic gifts” demonstrate his desire
to foster unity within communion in the Church.
The apostolic exhortation Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in Our
Time), 16 October 1979, stresses the importance of all the charisms
in all the believers:
From the Spirit come all the charisms that build up the Church, the
community of Christians. 18 “Renewal in the Spirit” will be authentic
and will have real fruitfulness in the Church not so much according as
it gives rise to extraordinary charisms but according as it leads the
greatest possible number of the faithful... to make a humble, patient,
and persevering effort to know the mystery of Christ better and better
and to bear witness to it. (Nº 72).
18
1 Cor 12: 4-11.