'The Renewal is ALIVE!' European Service of Communion CHARIS gathering, September 2025

The Annual ESC (European Service of Communion) CHARIS gathering in Krakow was an unforgettable moment of encounter, containing a call to carry the light of Christ into a world often overshadowed by darkness, writes youth leader and CNSC member Joan Fernandes

There are moments when you feel the Holy Spirit moving in such a real way that you know you will never forget them. 

From 26 – 28 September, leaders and representative from across Europe gathered in Krakow, Poland, for the Annual ESC (European Service of Communion) CHARIS gathering. This weekend was marked by fellowship, prayer and the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 'Servant leadership and the formation of leaders' was the theme, which resonated deeply, reminding us that true leadership in the Renewal is not about position, but about service, humility, and mission.

Prophetic word which 'speaks directly to the call of our generation'

As a youth leader representative and CNSC member from the UK, I was especially moved by the moments when all the youth present were prayed over by the leaders. In that time of intercession, a prophetic word from Isaiah 60:1-3, written out below, was spoken for the youth that continues to echo in my heart:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples, but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (Isaiah 60:1-3).

This powerful word speaks directly to the call of our generation: to rise in faith, to bear the light of Christ in an otherwise darkened world, and to be a visible sign of God’s glory in our communities, expression and nations.

Four Key Pillars

The gathering invited us to reflect on four key pillars that can help our communities grow stronger and more fruitful in mission:

          I.               Inheritance of the Renewal: Remaining deeply rooted in communion with Jesus through prayer. The renewal can’t thrive without leaders and communities faithful to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and also committed to sustaining one another in prayer.

       II.               Culture of Community: Building authentic relationships based on simplicity and truth. We are not only called to pray together but also to walk with each other in honestly and faith.

     III.               Evangelisation: Keeping mission at the heart of everything we do. It is part of our identity to proclaim the Gospel and witness to the testimony of Christ’s salvific love.

    IV.               Prophetic Spirit: Growing in discernment and in sensitivity to the movements of the Spirit. Communities are strengthened when they recognise what helps them flourish and when they respond courageously to God’s guidance.

These pillars serve not only as a vision but also a challenge. They remind us that servant leadership is not static, but a continual process of deepening prayer, authentic community, bold evangelisation, and prophetic openness.

"Rekindle the fire of charisms"

During the gathering, the European Prayer Group Network also shared reflections on the current state of charismatic life across the continent. It was a moment of honest listening, recognising both the challenges facing groups and the new opportunities emerging for renewal and growth.

A clear call resounded: to rekindle the fire of charisms, strengthen leadership, and build deeper communion among communities. There was a shared desire to see prayer groups become places not only of prayer but of formation, evangelisation, and fraternal life – vibrant communities right at the heart of the Church.

Looking ahead, new initiatives such as the European Catholic Charismatic Renewal Encounter and the European Charismatic School are both planned for 2026, featuring a promise to nurture leaders and renew the charismatic dimension of the Church across Europe.

A Call for the Youth

For us, the young people present in Krakow, receiving Isaiah 60:1-3 as a prophetic word was both an encouragement and a commissioning. It is a call to take our place in the Renewal, to stand as leaders in our communities, and to carry the light of Christ into a world which is often overshadowed by darkness.

The ESC Charis gathering was not just an event, but a moment of encounter and a reminder that the Renewal is alive and still being poured out today. We return home with hearts burning, ready to live servant leadership, to build communities rooted in prayer and mission, and to arise as a prophetic generation carrying the light of Christ.

Arise, shine, for your light has come!