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This Issue
The Seven Gifts
of the Holy Spirit
The Charism of Tongues:
The Glossalaly
Laying on of Hands
“…when we receive the
Sacrament of Baptism,
we are bestowed
with the gifts of this
“inhabitation,” called, for
this reason, Sanctifying
Gifts. We receive the
Spirit of Christ who
acts in us in a process
of configuration to the
Person of the Father’s
Only Son, through the
action of His seven gifts.”
Volume XXXV, Number 3
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
by Marcos Volcan
Jesus, the Father’s only Son, the Anointed One!
He came to us, says the Gospel of Saint John
because, “God so loved the world that he gave
his only son, so that everyone who believes in
him might not perish but might have eternal
life. For God did not send his Son into the world
to condemn the world, but that the world might
be saved through him.” He was begotten into
the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of
the Holy Spirit; Jesus’ public life began when
the Spirit, in the form of a dove, came upon the
Head of Jesus. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Jesus
was led into the desert, and full of the Holy
Spirit He went to Nazareth, where He stood up
to read the following words:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because
he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to
the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty
to captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim
a year acceptable to the Lord.”
Through His blood and immolation on the cross,
Jesus purchased for God those from every
tribe and tongue, people and nation, and made
them a kingdom and priests for our God.
“And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy
to take the scroll and to open its seals,
because you were slain, and with your blood
you purchased men for God from every tribe
and language and people and nation. You
have made them to be a kingdom and priests
to serve our God, and they will reign on the
earth.’” Revelations 5:9-10
This grace is conferred upon us through the
Sacrament of Baptism, (Baptizen, in the Greek,
which means immersion, submersion) “Or
are you unaware that we who were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his
death?” asks the Apostle Paul to the Romans.
The Apostle proceeds:
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into
his death? We were therefore buried with him
through baptism into death in order that, just
May – June 2009
as Christ was raised from the dead through
the glory of the Father, we too may live a new
life. If we have been united with him like this
in his death, we will certainly also be united
with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5
The Sacrament of Baptism is the source of
the sanctifying grace, the “inhabitation” of
the Holy Spirit, making us His Temple! It is the
Spirit of the Father’s only Son Who makes us
cry out “Abba, Father.”
Let us focus, however, on Romans 6:5, “We
have grown into union with him!” The Spirit
of Filiation (since it belongs to the Father’s
Only Son) is given to us and we become like a
“graft into the True Vine.” We are assimilated,
integrated into Christ, transforming us in
Christ into One Body with Him. Everything He
is and everything He achieved becomes our
inheritance thanks to His Spirit who lives in us!
The Apostle John says, in the Book of
Revelation 5:6, “Then I saw standing in
the midst of the throne and the four living
creatures and the elders, a Lamb that seemed
to have been slain. He had seven horns and
seven eyes. These are the spirits of God sent
out into the whole world.” This Spirit, who
inhabits the Lamb, configures us to Jesus
Christ in his seven graces and seven gifts
(main mission of the Spirit).
“But a shoot shall sprout from the Stump of
Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,”
says the Prophet Isaiah, and goes on to list the
“Seven Spirits of God,” “…a spirit of wisdom
and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and
of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear
of the Lord (and his delight shall be in the
fear of the Lord).” In the Vulgate version of
the Bible where six gifts are listed, the Greek
version known as the Septuagint adds the gift
of piety. Therefore the gifts of the Holy Spirit
total seven, eliminating the twice mentioned
fear of the Lord.
Therefore, when we receive the Sacrament
of Baptism, we are bestowed with the gifts
(continued page 2)
Page 2 May – June 2009
(continued from front page)
of this “inhabitation,” called, for this reason,
Sanctifying Gifts. We receive the Spirit of Christ
who acts in us in a process of configuration to
the Person of the Father’s Only Son, through the
action of His seven gifts.
Knowledge
Among the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift
of knowledge comes first for the important
role it plays in our spiritual lives. The gift of
knowledge replaces the mundane mentality,
that is, the merely human one, with God’s
knowledge. The soul begins then to judge all
things though the light of faith and clearly
understands the supernatural purpose of the
human being and the need to subject to it all
earthly realities.
Counsel
The gift of counsel aims to improve the virtue
of prudence, enabling the soul to immediately
discern what it should do or not do, both
in relation to its own conduct and others’
conduct. It is our process of reasoning being
enlightened by the grace of God, Who clearly
shows us what we should do or avoid doing
in certain circumstances. This precise “vision”
results from study and reflection, but it is also
a “supernatural instinct” coming from the gift
of counsel.
Understanding
The gift of understanding is a supernatural
disposition of the soul which enables it to
understand with outstanding clarity and by
intuition, certain mysteries of our faith or
even passages of the Holy Scriptures. Under
the illuminating action of the Holy Spirit, the
soul profoundly and clearly penetrates into
revealed mysteries, captures the in-depth
truths of faith, and allows itself to be
conducted by increasingly infused prayer.
Wisdom
The gift of wisdom can be defined as a
supernatural disposition of our intellect which
makes us value the things of God and the glory
of His name.
“…for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Proverbs 8:11
Leadership Formation
The gift of wisdom is not learned from books,
but is bestowed to the soul by God Himself,
who illuminates and fills our minds, hearts,
intellect and will, with love.
Piety
The gift of piety consists of a supernatural
disposition of the soul which leads it, under
the action of the Holy Spirit, to behave in its
relationship with God in the same way a very
caring child behaves towards his father, by
whom he feels profoundly loved.
Strength
The gift of strength is the capacity that the
Holy Spirit gives us to endure ordeals and
unite them to Christ’s suffering. The soul
that subjects itself completely to the Holy
Spirit encounters, in the gift of Strength, a
supernatural disposition that makes it capable
of taking on the most difficult challenges and
enduring the most difficult tribulations out of
love for God and the glory of His Name.
Fear of the Lord
The gift of fear of the Lord is a supernatural
disposition of the soul which makes it
experience a profound respect for God and
a limitless contentment in His goodness as
Father. It is not servile fear, nor even fear of
displeasing Him, but fear out of reverence:
His majesty and Excellency are so big and so
powerful that we desire to serve Him and love
Him with all our hearts, because He means
everything to us.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no
longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I
live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of
God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
Leadership Formation
The Charism of Tongues: The Glossalaly
by Darek Jeziorny
The gift of tongues is a very normal phenomenon for
people involved in Charismatic Renewal. But persons
who meet the charismatic type of prayer for the first
time might feel disappointed because something like the
glossolaly looks strange for them. St. Paul warned the
Corinthians that this could happen.
“So if the whole church comes together and everyone
speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or
some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are
out of your mind?” 1 Cor 14:23
And this warning comes from the experience. The
Apostles speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost
were laughed at. People looking at them suspected they
were “filled with young wine”. (Acts 2:13)
The ones who speak in tongues may be accused to
be fanatics or mentally imbalanced persons. Such an
accusation can touch all people who are deeply involved
in prayer which is outstanding from the conventional
imagination of prayer. And the example of the king David
proves this. His daughter despised him when she saw
him dancing and playing in the front of the Ark of the
Covenant. (1 Chronicles 15:29)
Nevertheless it is necessary to state that speaking in new
tongues was promised by Jesus before his Ascension.
“And these signs will accompany those who believe:
In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak
in new tongues.” Mark 16:17
So there is nothing strange in using this charism. The
problem can appear among people who do not know the
biblical teaching about it.
It is necessary to state there are three kinds of speaking
in tongues mentioned in the Bible:
1. Prophecy in tongues takes place when one person
speaks in an unknown language and the rest of
participants remain in silence. Such a prophecy is fruitful
if another person has a gift of interpretation and explains
what was said.
“I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but
I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies
is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he
interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now,
brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what
good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?”
1 Corinthians 14:5-6
2. After receiving the Holy Spirit the Apostles were speaking
in tongues they did not know before and these languages
were understandable for Jews from different nations
who came to Jerusalem for the feast (see Acts 2:4-13). It
amazed these people who heard about “mighty works of
God” in their own language. So this kind of the charism of
tongues is a sign for people who do not believe.
3. Spontaneous worship of the Lord after receiving the
outpouring the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46; 19:1-7). During
such a prayer many persons speak or sing in tongues
simultaneously and it is a true gift of glossolaly.
May – June 2009 Page 3
Such a gift is very common for charismatic groups
nowadays. The most frequent use of this charism takes
place during worshiping God together. People pray
simultaneously in their words, in tongues and singing
songs. It is worthy to say that zealous glorifying the Lord
was renewed in the church by the Charismatic Renewal
and it is a very important contribution of this stream
of grace for the contemporary church. The charism of
tongues is also a kind of “ice-breaker” in personal contact
with the Lord which could be difficult when a person is
focused on himself and his problems. Worshiping God
concentrates people on a person of the Lord and it opens
them for the next charisms which could appear during
the charismatic prayer meeting.
A gift of glossolaly is also present during invoking the
Holy Spirit and intercession. But it could be noticeable
that during glorifying the Lord in tongues people usually
sing. And asking him for something they more often speak
not sing in tongues. Such a charism is very useful during
intercession which is also one of the characteristic kinds
of ministry in Charismatic Renewal. It is very often that
people serving other persons who ask for help feel in the
spirit that the requests declared are not necessary the
ones these persons need. People who minister usually
do not know exactly what to pray for so they pray in
tongues. Then according to Word of God (Romans
8:26-27) the Spirit “helps our weaknesses”. “He who
searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind,
because he makes intercession for the saints according
to God”. Sometimes the Holy Spirit reveals what is the
real problem of the person asking for help during prayer
in tongues. Then the understanding can be proclaimed
as a gift of knowledge. Sometimes is does not happen
but the Holy Spirit understands what the ministering
people are asking for and answers this.
Summing up it is worthy to state that the gift of tongues
is a supernatural way of communication with God in the
Holy Spirit who is a giver of this charism. The glossolaly
builds up the prayer when some people gather together
in the same place to meet with God. Used during
worshiping the Lord it opens for further charisms and
unites members in one Spirit. But it also builds an
individual person because this gift can be used during
individual prayer.
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who
prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:4
One can use this charism when he feels great enthusiasm
and wants to glorify God but his mind is not able to follow
and “produce” the proper words to express the feelings.
The gift of tongues is very useful for such occasions
because it allows not to block the whole enthusiasm. But
it is also good to remind that this gift does not reign over
a person but a person controls a gift. So people are not
enslaved receiving any charism from the Holy Spirit. But
they can freely use it whenever they wish. And this rule
applies also the gift of glossolaly. That is why the charism
of tongues should not be regarded as a kind of ecstasy.
Page 4 May – June 2009 Leadership Formation

QUESTIONS TO THE ICCRS DOCTRINAL COMMISSION

ICCRS receives many questions about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and we do our best to answer as many as we can with the help of the ICCRS
Doctrinal Commission members who kindly take the time to check their references and credit their sources. The questions and answers featured in this
section of the Leadership Formation each issue are selected for their relevancy and helpfulness overall for those involved in the Catholic Charismatic
Renewal. If you have a question about the CCR, please send it to newsletter@iccrs.org and we will do our best to answer it!

On the Laying on of Hands

It is important to distinguish the laying on of hands that and Paul to prepare them and pray for the Spirit’s anointing on
takes place at Confirmation and Ordination, which confers their mission (see also Num 8:10).
a sacramental grace, and the laying on of hands of ordinary
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their
believers. Only a bishop (or a priest delegated by the
hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:3
bishop) has the authority to lay on hands in the first sense.
This sacramental laying on of hands is portrayed in the New “You are to bring the Levites before the Lord, and the
Testament in Acts 6:6; 1 Tim 4:14 (and possibly 2 Tim 1:6-7). Israelites are to lay their hands on them.” Num 8:10
“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and The practice of ordinary believers laying on hands has been
laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:6 revived in recent years, especially through the Charismatic
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a Renewal. It can be part of prayer for healing, or of prayer for
prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands preparation for a mission or service a person is called to, or
on you.” 1 Tim 4:14 of prayer for other graces needed. This is a way of recognizing
that we are bodily persons, and that Christ makes his graces
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of flow through all the members of his Body.
God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, It is important that this practice be pastored well, so there
of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:6-7 is no confusion between sacramental and simple (informal)
laying on of hands. Laying on of hands should also be done
The second kind of laying on of hands is also recognized by with respect and sensitivity for the person being prayed with.
scripture. In Mark 16:17-18 the risen Lord Jesus promises, “These Usually you should gently ask his or her permission before
signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will laying on hands: “Is it OK if I put my hand on your shoulder
cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick as I pray?” It goes without saying that you should never push
up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt a person with your hand to “help” them rest in the Spirit.
them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Anyone who is struggling with unchaste thoughts should not
He does not say that these signs will accompany only those he lay hands. There should not be any sense of magic or personal
appointed as apostles or leaders. In Acts 9:17 we see Ananias, an power, but a simple surrender to Jesus who determines
ordinary believer, led by the Spirit to lay hands on Saul that he whom, when and how he will heal and impart grace.
may recover from blindness and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his
hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who
appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has The ICCRS Doctrinal Commission is formed by:
sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the
Bishop Joseph Grech (chair), Australia
Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17
Father Peter Hocken, Austria
James 5:14-16 instructs anyone who is sick to “call for the Father Francis Martin, USA
elders (presbyters) of the church, and let them pray over Doctor Mary Healy, USA
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord,” but The ICCRS Doctrinal Commission is also in consultation
then adds, “Therefore confess your sins to one another, with theologians from different countries around the world.
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
In Acts 13:3, the community as a whole lays hands on Barnabas

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