I have mixed feelings about the “charismatic movement,” which for better or for worse did not pass away but is still very much with us, especially in areas where Protestant Pentecostalism is strong, such as the South (where I live). Latin Americans responded to Liberation Theology by leaving the Church in droves, and most of them went to the Prostant Pentecostals that were scattered throughout Lat Am, which is why there are so many Hispanics in the movement.
The Catholic Charismatic movement got them back to the Church, but I often find charismatics - whether Hispanic or non-Hispanic - a very disturbing group. They are anti-intellectual, given to emotional experiences which they interpret as divine graces of some sort, and seem to set up as sort of cults within the Church. We have some (non-Hispanic) charismatics here who spend all their time having “healings” at healing masses, looking for different people to lay hands on them, and basically seeking sensations. Some of them are, quite frankly, wacky.
Yet at the same time, there are some who do this but are very loyal to the Pope, aren’t interested in doctrine or learning themselves but don’t reject it, and do not wave their hands around at Mass waiting to be “slain in the Spirit.”
So my opinion is very mixed.
Incidentally, I think TLM would go over just fine with many Hispanics, although the charismatically oriented ones would continue to have their extra-liturgical prayer services. I think the latter are fine and even something we need more of - as long as they’re supervised and kept orthodox by somebody who knows enough to do so.
Excellent points, irrespective of the national origin of the parties.
I have no problem with Charismatic Catholics as long as it does not become the mainstream, taking away the historically Catholic Holy Mass. That is what happened in my area. Holding and lifting hands for the Our Father, happy lilting modern music are the norm at the parishes in my area.
Except my parish.
And that is why other parishes are closing and clustering while we are growing by leaps and bounds. We are the only parish in our Vicariate with six Holy Masses on Sundays. And each is overflowing our church.
This Sunday is my daughter’s First Holy Communion. We got four tickets for seats. There are two Holy Masses to accomodate all the children. Huge ceremonies, all the smells and bells. Because of Grandparents and Godparents, neither myself nor my older daughter will have seats (Dad will Usher). Do I mind? A little, but I am very blessed to be at a parish where we can fill the church, so life is good!
I was involved in the Catholic Charismatic movement for years, until its proponents began to stray off into the jing-bushes after the Wiccans and goddess worshippers. Some parts of it were valid and fruitful. I wouldn’t take a million bucks for the experience.