The Charismatic Catholic

John Michael Talbot is considered one of the main leaders of the early Charismatic Catholic movement, an author, and a world renowned Catholic Musician. He also founded The Brothers and Sisters of Charity in 1980 - a Catholic-ish community of celibate brothers and sisters, singles who can marry, and families that live as a monastic and domestic spiritual family in separate cloisters at the Little Portion Hermitage in Berryville, AR. He is also the host of a television program, All Things Are Possible, which is in its 2nd Season on The Church Channel. 

Since its birth in 1967, The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has been a part of at least 100 million peoples' lives in over 238 countries. The Pentecost, otherwise known as baptism of the Holy Spirit, is the foundation of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Many Archdioceses have Charismatic Liaisons and Renewal Centers designated by their Archbishops. The NM Santa Fe Archdiocese has a Charismatic Center at 1412 5th St. NW in Albuquerque with a monthly healing mass and various events.  

I attended the John Michael Talbot Retreat for Oblates and Friends at Pecos Benedictine Monastery.  

An Oblate is a lay individual who has taken an oath to dedicate him or herself to the Monastery by sharing in the monastic life while living in the secular world. This includes visits, retreats, daily prayers, as well as volunteering at the monastery and contributing in other ways. They play an important role as a means of support and extended community for a Monastery. Oblates are standard to most Monastic Communities, both Catholic and Protestant. 

The retreat I attended was 2 full days with 2 half days. It was a diverse group of participants from all over the United States, mostly Catholic but a few protestants. John Michael was the only speaker during the retreat. He combined charismatic preaching with soulful singing of Christian music. During the music, he would often have the group rise up and joyfully sing along in the praise of God. 

John Michael talked about the Joy of the Gospel. He said the joy of The Lord is unlocked when you forgive. Lack of Forgiveness binds up a person or community and they can drown in bitterness. He encouraged us to let go of your worldly concerns and give them to God. He talked about Practice and how it is learning to see Christ in everyone, bringing the divine into the ordinary. He talked about the process of people surrendering their life to God and compared it to the hulling of wheat. He said when God cuts us down, he will do more with us than we could ever do on our own. He spent much of the time explaining the Liturgy, Monastic Life, Oblates, and other Catholic Theology - it was very interesting to hear and learn. He emphasized vibrancy in all of your practices and to breathe life into the Liturgy because, Jesus will always show up in the Eucharist.  

"Theology without a personal relationship with Jesus is Vanity" - JMT

These were just a few of the insightful things he shared with us. It was a completely amazing experience. I recommend to anyone, regardless of their denominational affiliation, to go and hear John Michael Talbot speak. 

All things are possible for the one who has faith. ~ Mark 9:23

THANK YOU John Michael Talbot for sharing such a great and amazing experience with us!