It was truly a blessing to be in Rome this June. From the ancient streets of the Eternal City to the sacred majesty of Saint Peter’s Square, I experienced a deep movement of the Holy Spirit that confirmed what so many in the Church are sensing: God is preparing a global revival – and the Catholic Church is called to be at its very center.
From June 1-3, I had the honor of serving as a speaker at the Global 2033 International Leaders Summit, held in Fiuggi, Italy. The summit, themed “Reaching Everyone Everywhere,” gathered Christian leaders from around the world with a shared commitment: preparing for the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Resurrection.
My presentation, co-led with Tim Glemkowski, founding CEO of the National Eucharistic Congress, was titled “Catholic Revival: Revival Starts in Us.” Together, we proclaimed a clear message: A revival is possible only through the powerful action of the Holy Spirit. If we are to truly reach every person, we must mobilize the Catholic Church to become a missionary Church – bold in Eucharistic revival, led by the Holy Spirit and formed for intercultural evangelization.
Tim and I drew from our experiences – his in leading the Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress in the United States, and mine from grassroots intercultural mission and leadership in the Charismatic Renewal. We emphasized that revival is not just a program; it’s a personal encounter with God that transforms lives and ignites mission. Pastor Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life” and executive director of the Finishing the Task coalition, was one of the other speakers.
Following the summit, from June 4-6, I was invited to the Meeting of Moderators of Associations of the Faithful, Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, which was organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. It featured remarkable contributions of several speakers including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who was recently named titular bishop of Albano, just outside Rome. Their interventions reminded us that ecclesial movements are not fringe realities – they are vital expressions of the Church’s life and mission today.
Yet, for me, the highlight of my time in Rome was the audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, on June 6. Speaking to us – moderators of ecclesial movements, associations and communities – Pope Leo offered a profound reflection on the nature of charisms and their indispensable role in the Church:
“Charisms are given so that grace may be received and bear fruit,” he said. “Without charisms, there is a risk that Christ’s grace, offered in abundance, may not find good soil to receive it.”
These words penetrated my heart. They are a call to ensure that the work we do in movements and communities is always fertile ground for grace – ever-rooted in Christ, united with the Church and alive with missionary passion.
This unity and mission were powerfully embodied on the Vigil of Pentecost, celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square on June 7. With the whole Church gathered in worship and anticipation, I carried in my heart all the faithful of the Diocese of Camden, offering them spiritually in this global invocation of the Spirit. Pope Leo XIV, in his homily, beautifully described the fruit of that moment.
“At Pentecost, Mary, the Apostles and the disciples with them received a Spirit of unity. … They were no longer introverted and quarrelling with one another, but outgoing and radiant with joy,” he said.
This is the essence of ecclesial renewal: radiant joy and unity rooted in the one mission of the Church.
The celebration reached its climax the following morning, Pentecost Sunday, when we once again gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the Solemn Mass with Pope Leo XIV. It was a powerful experience of communion and sending forth.
The Pope reminded us: “The Spirit opens borders. … He breaks down our hardness of heart, our narrowness of mind, our selfishness … so that our lives can become places of welcome and refreshment.”
This is precisely what the world needs – a Church open in heart and mission, where each person finds welcome, healing and purpose. A Church not closed in on herself, but filled with the fire of Pentecost, going forth to the margins.
As I return home to the Diocese of Camden, I do so with renewed joy and purpose. I am more convinced than ever that we must make space for the Holy Spirit in every aspect of Church life – our parishes, families, ministries and personal witness. In this context, we will host a Diocesan Encounter of Hispanic Ecclesial Movements from 7-9 p.m. on June 14 at Saint Joachim Parish, Bellmawr. Just as we gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, we will come together here to pray, reflect and move forward in unity and mission for our local Church.
In the words of Pope Leo XIV, spoken to us with pastoral affection: “Always keep the Lord Jesus at the center! This is the essential thing, and charisms are meant to serve this purpose. They lead to an encounter with Christ … and help to build up the Church.”
Let us take these words to heart. Let us walk together in the Spirit, as one Church – united in diversity, radiant with joy and on fire for the Gospel.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Andrés Arango is the Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Camden.
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