A weekend full of grace when leaders from CHARIS European Service of Communion met in Krakow.

From CHARIS Norden took part F Martti Savijoki SCJ from Helsinki and Nora Palacios from Copenhagen. F Martti writes in his report: "The grace of the weekend can be summed up simply: we strengthened one another in our shared vocation as leaders in the Charismatic Renewal — united in the communion of the Holy Spirit."

Here is the report from F Martti:

CHARIS European Service of Communion – Kraków, 26–28 September 2025 

Theme: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:13) 

Delegates from across Europe gathered in Kraków for the annual CHARIS European Service of Communion — a weekend filled with worship, discernment, and deep fraternity among the leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Participants came from every corner of the continent, forming a joyful mosaic of languages and cultures united by the same Spirit. 

For me, one of the most powerful moments was the vibrant praise and worship led by young Polish musicians. During those times, the presence of God was truly tangible and powerful. A strong prophetic atmosphere also pervaded the weekend: we prayed personally for one another, helping each other discern the Lord’s call with freedom and trust. I returned home spiritually refreshed — with renewed peace, courage, and clarity. 

The talks explored servant, prophetic, and visionary leadership. Gavin Farley spoke about servant leadership as empowering others — leading through listening, empathy, and the authority of love. Priyanka Choudhary and José Luis invited us to form the next generation by example and imitation, investing in a few who can continue the mission.

During a lively panel discussion on visionary and prophetic leadership, we heard about the need for bold and surrendered leaders — people with the capacity to inspire and the humility to discern. The panel also underlined the importance of seeking a common vision for our National Services of Communion, rooted in prayer and dialogue.

Bishop Andrzej Siemieniewski further reflected on visionary leadership, reminding us that the Holy Spirit breaks our limitations and unites Christians across boundaries. 

I was especially struck by the story of David Wilkerson and The Cross and the Switchblade, which reminded us that a great mission can begin when someone  simply prays, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and allows God to act. This same openness is what CHARIS now calls us to live — not our own projects, but a shared vision born from prayer, communion, and discernment. 

Meeting brothers and sisters from Malta, Albania, Ireland, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, and many other nations renewed my awareness that we belong to  something larger than our local communities. For us in the Nordic countries, this means building stronger connections among our nations, investing in leadership for the Renewal in Scandinavia, and discerning together a common vision for our Nordic Service of Communion. 

The grace of the weekend can be summed up simply: we strengthened one another in our shared vocation as leaders in the Charismatic Renewal — united in the communion of the Holy Spirit.   /F Martti Savijoki SJC

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