Origin of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Church

On May 9, 1897, Pope Leo XIII introduced the Holy Spirit Novena in the Church, a practice inspired by Sister Elena, a nun from the Cloister Carmel. The Latin hymn "Veni Creator" was sung in the church, and the novena to the Holy Spirit was instructed to commence in every parish. The outcome of this prayer became evident in 1901 when a revival started in Pentecostal and Protestant churches.

In 1959, Pope John XXIII called for a new Pentecost and recognized Sister Elena as the apostle of the Holy Spirit. The Second Vatican Council commenced in 1964, marking the beginning of a renewed experience of "baptism in the Spirit" in the Catholic Church in February 1967, initiated by students on retreat at Duquesne University praying for a fresh outpouring of Pentecost.

In 1972, the Catholic Charismatic renewal reached India through the efforts of devoted couple Luz Maria and Minoo Engineer, who returned from the USA. Supported by Fr Rufus Pereira, Fr Fio Mascharinas, Fr Victor Alphonso, Fr James Dsouza, and others, they started prayer groups in Mumbai, leading to its spread in various parts of South India.

In 1975, Fr Rufus Pereira, Sr. Bernadine, Fr Marcilino Iraqui OCD, Br Fritz Mascharinas, and Sister Hedwig AC initiated prayer groups in Mangalore, and simultaneously, English prayer groups began at St Aloysius College. Fr Lawrence Castelino later promoted the renewal as the principal of St Aloysius Evening College.

In 1978, Fr Francis Rebello SJ preached the first Retreat in Konkani in Bejai Parish, marking the beginning of Konkani prayer groups in many parishes in Mangalore Diocese. From 1979 to 1993, Fr Lawrence Castelino guided the renewal in the Mangalore Diocese and was appointed as the First Spiritual Director for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Mangalore by Bishop Basil Dsouza on December 31, 1992.

Notable retreats in subsequent years included those preached by Fr Kuriakose V.C in May 1992, Fr James Manjackal MSFS in September 1993, Fr Thomas Thappel OFM in November 1993, and Fr Fio Mascharinas SJ in July 1994. Additionally, an inner healing retreat was conducted by Sr Usha SND in December 1994 at Fathima Retreat House.

Some of the Main Prayer Groups Existed As on 10-7-2002 [Extract from Bishop House... Minutes of the Service Team Meeting Held at the Rosario Cathedral ]

1. Milagres English Prayer Group -Br George.K [4.15-5.45 PM every Saturdays , 150 Members, Third Sunday 4-7PM Adoration Monestry ]

2. Summer Sands Prayer Group -Br Aloysius Albuquerque  guided by Mr John Prasad and Fr Willam Barocus

3. Fr Mullers English Prayer Group 7.30 -8.45 PM Every Thursday 50-60 Members Sr Laura and Fr Rebello 

4. Divya Vani Prayer Group Allwyn Mascharinas  , then started Kannada Vigil with the Help of Br Jhon Prasad and Br Davis.

5. St Agnes Special School 3.30 -5.00PM Every Sunday Mr Ajith Chandan and Mr Ivan Lobo with attendance of 50 Members.

6. St Aloysius Hostel Prayer Group , Mr HRT Saldhana 6.00PM-7.00PM with7-10 Members 

7. St Agnes High School Mr Allwyn Dsouza , 40-50 Members- Sunday 3.30 - 5.00PM

8. Bridgetine Convent Prayer Group - Mrs Corrine Rasquinha Friday 6.00PM - 7.00PM

9. Udyavar Prayer Group Br Dennis Dsilva ,Edwin Peris [Visitng Hospitals and Houses for prayers for the Sick]