In the [October newsletter] for the new started CHARIS Nordic Service of Communion (NSC) we read about the development in the Nordic countries.
Picture: The CHARIS NSC gathered in a digital meeting in october
At a European CHARIS conference in Budapest 2021 where Scandinavian delegates took part the following was said:
”Next step for Sweden Following the conference, the following steps could be considered to facilitate the flourishing of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in Scandinavia: - Build a network of charismatic groups and communities with communication channels - Organise regular meetings online and face-to-face to strengthen and deepen relations - Identify people with a calling/charism for deliverance and train pairs in Unbound or Encounter Ministry to roll out inner healing in Sweden - Establish a National Service of Communion”
At the moment, Life in the Spirit seminars are underway under the leadership of Martti Savijoki in St. Mary's parish in Helsinki. Earlier this year there was [ecumenical Life in the Spirit seminars in Stockholm] in cooperation between the charismatic prayergroup in the Catholic cathedral and an evangelizing parish, S:ta Clara, in the Swedish Lutheran church.
F Dominic Valanmanal from India conducts [liberation and healing ministry in Sweden]. He is invited by kardinal Anders Arborelius, and a group of people in Sweden are engaged in preparing his meetings in parishes that welcome him and support him in prayer. There is an opportunity that Renewal Ministries, a Catholic ministry in the United States that promotes renewal and evangelization through the power of the Holy Spirit, can visit Sweden, talks are under way.
Priests are a key group to reach, but they are usually very busy and find it difficult to prioritize what the Charismatic renewal offers, it says in the newsletter. It is not enough to invite to conferences, it must be personal contacts and building relationships. Priests can be involved in Life in the Spirit seminars. Inviting some priests to the gathering in Rome for priests, pastors and ministers 30 March – 4 April arranged by CHARIS (see below) can also be done.
As a consequence of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine many Ukrainians have come to Sweden. With them also a new evangelizing charismatic community: Community of the risen Christ GALILEA. Ivan Vysochanskyi, member of the NSC and representing the community tells us:
The community is well established in Poland and is present in several European countries, including Ukraine. The inspiration comes from John Paul II's call for a new evangelization. Kerygma, Charismatic gifts and fellowship are the watchwords. You gather in small groups and larger meetings with worship, teaching and celebration of Mass where you build communion. There is teaching programs and evangelization schools. The goal is for everyone to get to know Jesus and become active disciples witnessing to the faith. The community is not officially established in Sweden, but members still gather. The community makes an important contribution in bringing together Ukrainian-speaking Catholics in Sweden. The community has a network on the internet with regular gatherings for prayer and teaching. In the parishes where the local vicar allows, they also gather for larger meetings. Meetings have been held in Järfälla, Haninge and Nässjö. Ivan comes from Ukraine and belongs to the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Events:
Nov 26-28 2024: Deliverance and grace anointing with f Dominic ValanmanalRetreat in Holy Trinity parish Järfälla [more info]
/Bengt Malmgren coordinator CHARIS NSC Nordic countries
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