Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has warned Catholic charismatic communities against turning spiritual gifts into sources of personal prestige, urging leaders to use their gifts to build up the Church rather than cultivate personal followings, CBCP News reported.
Speaking at the 2nd National Spiritual Direction Conference of CHARIS Philippines in Liloan, Cebu, on October 20, David said the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to strengthen the Christian community, not to elevate individuals above others.
“The Holy Spirit does not distribute gifts to create spiritual celebrities. The Spirit distributes gifts to build up the Body of Christ,” the cardinal said.
He cautioned against using gifts such as preaching, healing and discernment to gain recognition, influence or authority within charismatic communities.
“A charism is a gift of the Spirit not for the individual alone, but for the community,” David said, warning that the pursuit of spiritual prestige can foster rivalry and undermine the community’s mission.
The cardinal also challenged charismatic leaders to avoid making followers dependent on their personal gifts. Instead, he said, leadership should help people recognize and develop their own gifts and take responsibility for the Church’s mission.
“The purpose of leadership is not to make people dependent on leaders. It is rather to help them become mature disciples, capable of exercising their own gifts and responsibilities,” David said.
He emphasized that authentic spiritual renewal must extend beyond prayer meetings and charismatic experiences to concrete service, particularly through greater concern for marginalized people, commitment to justice and active participation in the Church’s mission.
David also connected the responsible exercise of spiritual gifts with synodality, which emphasizes listening, shared responsibility and collective discernment. He urged charismatic communities to recognize the gifts of every member and discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance together rather than concentrate influence in a few individuals.
The October 19–21 conference brought together about 165 delegates, including bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay leaders from dioceses and charismatic communities across the Philippines.
Organized by CHARIS Philippines, the gathering aimed to deepen participants’ formation in spiritual direction and strengthen their contribution to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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