How did this movement begin in the Catholic Church?
A group of students at Duquesne University in the 1960's, all catholics, met and prayed regularly for a new pentecost. One of them, Patti Gallagher Mansfield writes that when they gathered in the chapel their first activity was a meditation on Mary given by one of their professors. They opened themselves to a new relationship with Jesus Christ. In Malta, the renewal began 30 years ago.

What was the reaction of the Catholic Hierarchy to this movement?
A Theological Committee of American Bishops, back in 1969, stated that the movement has a sound Scriptural basis, the effect on the participants is good (often leading them back to abandoned religious practices) and that prudent priests should be involved to guide the movement on the use of the charismatic gifts. Individual bishops, and even the Popes themselves have expressed high praise for the movement.

How should a catholic group in the movement differ from a protestant or evangelical one?
The catholic group would accept the Mass as the prime means of worshipping God, and the prayer meeting would never serve as a substitute for Mass attendance. It also would accept the doctrines authoratively taught by the Catholic Church and would reject any protestant, pentecostal and evangelical teachings not in conformity with Church doctrine. Finally the catholic group should be obedient to the commands of the local Bishop and would accept the teaching role of priests, welcoming their spiritual guidance.

What is the Baptism in the Spirit?
It is not some new Sacrament. It is a renewal of one's sacramental baptism, and one begins to experience the risen Christ in a personal way. It usually results from a "release" of the power of the Spirit, already present in the individual by Baptism and Confirmation. It normally leads to a deep devotional life, an attraction to prayer, Sacred Scripture and the sacraments, marking a closer union with God. "Baptism of the Spirit" is a Scriptural term - ref. Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1.33. Jesus Himself used the phrase in Acts 1:5 "John baptised with water but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit". St Peter used this phrase himself in Acts 11:16. Newcomers to the Charismatic Renewal are preapred by "Life in the Spirit" seminars for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. These talks help awaken these individuals' faith and then they are prayed with for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Msgr Vincent M. Walsh suggests that sacramental confession is required too and that only mature members should be allowed to pray over people for the Baptism of the Spirit. It is to be noted that somebody who has not received the Baptism of the Spirit may well be Spirit-filled. Not receiving the Baptism of the Spirit does not make you not "Spirit-filled". One is not to look down upon other means of sanctification such as the Sacraments, liturgical prayer and normal church life.

What is Praying in Tongues (Ilsna in Maltese)?
This is a gift from God where one prays to God using words in an language he does not know. Memory and intellect are bypassed. One still needs to 'begin' - God is not going to force your mouth to open and He is not going to take over control of your tongue!

What is the Resting in the Spirit?
When a person is prayed over, or they are praying, it may be the case that their body cannot withstand the power of the Holy Spirit which is being released. Thus it happens that they fall over backwards, like a 'short circuit' effect.

Why do we lift up our arms in prayer?
It signifies the freedom of praise present in the meeting. It also allows prayer to be part of the whole person: mind, heart, lips, body etc.

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