History of Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Discover the rich heritage of the Spirit-filled movement that transformed the Catholic Church worldwide and brought renewal to Bangalore
From its origins at Duquesne University in 1967 to its establishment in Bangalore in 1971, explore how the Holy Spirit ignited a global renewal movement that continues to transform lives through the power of prayer, worship, and spiritual gifts.
A Divine Movement Born from Prayer and Seeking
The Birth of Catholic Charismatic Renewal
In February 1967, at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a small group of Catholic students and professors gathered for a retreat weekend. As they prayed for a new Pentecost, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among them. This historic weekend marked the beginning of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, fulfilling Pope John XXIII's prayer before Vatican II: 'O Holy Spirit pour forth the fullness of your gifts, renew your wonders in this our day as by a new Pentecost.'
1967
Year CCR Began
72M+
Catholics Worldwide
130
Countries Active
25
Initial Participants
Papal Recognition and Support
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has received strong support from the Vatican. Pope Paul VI invited 10,000 charismatics to Rome in 1975, calling it a 'chance for the Church and world.' Pope John Paul II encouraged Catholics to remain 'available for every gift the Spirit wishes to pour into your hearts.'
The Renewal Comes to India
How the Spirit-filled movement reached the Indian subcontinent through divine providence and faithful servants
Minoo Engineer: The Pioneer
In 1972, Minoo Engineer, a young Parsi civil engineer studying at Fordham University, became Catholic through his involvement with Charismatics in America. Upon returning to India, he brought the Catholic Charismatic Renewal with him.
The first prayer group met on Monday evenings in Bombay with just four members: Fr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ, Sister Olga, Minoo and Luz Maria Engineer. From these humble beginnings, the movement spread rapidly across India.
Two Jesuits, Fr. Fuster and Fr. Bertie Phillips, who had also experienced the Renewal during their studies in the United States, returned to support and nurture the growing movement through Life in the Spirit Seminars and prayer groups.
Charismatic Renewal in Bangalore
Principal of St. Joseph's College of Commerce, appointed as first Diocesan Director
Started with literature from International Centre and Canadian missionary at Asha Niketan
Fr. Fuster SJ conducted first seminars at St. Joseph of Tarbes and Good Shepherd Convents
Former merchant marine officer joined in 1976, bringing powerful testimony and preaching
Thursday meetings drew overflowing crowds from across Bangalore and denominations
Archbishop Arokiaswamy gave recognition and attended meetings personally
Voices from the Renewal
Testimonies from leaders who witnessed the movement's transformative power
Patti Gallagher
As I knelt before the Blessed Sacrament, I was filled with awe. For the first time, I experienced His glory and prayed a prayer of total surrender. The Lord touched each of us uniquely that night.
Cardinal Leo Joseph Suenens
Rather than a movement, Charismatic Renewal is a moving of the Holy Spirit which can reach all Christians. It is comparable to a high voltage current of grace coursing through the Church.
Pope Paul VI
Nothing is more necessary to this secularized world than the witness of spiritual renewal. How could this not be a chance for the Church and for the world?