A person who has a specific vocation within the Catholic Church possesses a charism. A charism is a free gift from the Holy Spirit for the building up of the community, the good of the people, and addressing the needs of the world.
The various charisms enrich the Church: the Ignatian, the contemplative, the Franciscan, the Cistercian, the Benedictine, the Augustinian, Communion and Liberation, the Focolare Movement, the Carmelites, La Consolata, and Opus Dei.
Anyone who possesses a charism within the Church should not take pride in it, for the gifts received are not meant for personal self-aggrandizement or individual benefit, but rather to open one’s hands in a gesture of service.
Pope Pope Leo He is an Augustinian and often mentions St. Augustine, since when charisms are lived out with humility and placed at the service of others, they promote peace.
It is good for anyone who has a charism to explore it more deeply in order to live it fully; this will give them a deep sense of security, because that is where God wants them to be.
There is a danger, as pointed out by Pope Francis (a Jesuit), of becoming self-referential. That is why we must look toward a broader horizon and respond to the challenges that arise from our encounter with God’s overflowing love.
Peace within the Church is the harmony of the Holy Spirit, for, as St. Paul said, there are various gifts that come from the same Spirit.
Diversity enriches the Church and makes it universal and capable of welcoming everyone.
