In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Reviewed by:
  • Ecclesial Movements and Communities: Origins, Significance and Issues by Brendan Leahy
  • Rose McDermott S.S.J.
Ecclesial Movements and Communities: Origins, Significance and Issues, by Brendan Leahy. Hyde Park: New City Press, 2011. Pp. 1-200.

Since the Second Vatican Council, one hundred twenty-two ecclesial movements and communities have claimed the attention of Catholics and other Christians. As these phenomena move into a second or transitional phase, the members claim a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a strong commitment to the Church, and a gospel spirituality resulting in a variety of pastoral, apostolic and missionary services.

Leahy, a Professor of Systematic Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Ireland, addresses the movements and communities in a small text divided into an introduction and three parts with eighteen evenly divided chapters. Two preliminary chapters address the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit as the Church continues on its faith journey, and describes these ecclesial movements and communities in progress. Part one traces the phenomena over a hundred year period and the import of conciliar, papal, and synodal teachings on their rapid development. Part two offers key theological perspectives from which to study the ecclesial movements and communities. Part three presents criticisms of these movements and communities, as well as their relationships with parishes, the clergy, and ecumenical and interreligious dialogues as they continue to develop in and beyond Church structures.

The first five chapters demonstrate how pre-conciliar teachings on Catholic Action and the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ coupled with conciliar themes of mystery, communion, and mission prepared the Christian faithful to assume their baptismal responsibilities and embrace special gifts of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the universal Church. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI supported these ecclesial movements and communities which grew rapidly over a short period of time throughout the universal Church. In 1998, some 300,000 members gathered with their founders in St. Peter's Square.

Part two addresses theological reflections that have contextualized such phenomena. Agreeing with Pottmeyer that the reception of the spiritual depth of conciliar teachings has yet to be appreciated and received, Leahy reviews the poised tension between institution and charism. Ratzinger's presentation on these movements and communities as vehicles of apostolic succession and forces for the new evangelization makes for interesting reading. Chapter five concludes part two in offering Mary's affirmative response [End Page 683] to grace as an example par excellence for founders of ecclesial movements and communities.

In part three the author reminds us that the Church is always in reform. In six chapters Leahy reviews the pros and cons of the ecclesial movements and communities in light of particular issues such as their relevance to: parishes, priests, ecumenical and interreligious dialogues, and canon law. Chapter eighteen concludes part three with observations on the potential of these ecclesial movements and communities to reflect the true nature of the Church—a movement with all its members growing in a mature spirituality of communion flowing from baptism.

An excellent bibliography reflective of the author's careful research, an index of prominent persons referenced throughout the text, and acknowledgements of those influencing and supporting the author in his efforts to produce this valuable work bring closure to the text.

This small, well researched, and intellectually challenging book would attract all the Christian faithful interested in such phenomena: clerics, consecrated persons, and the laity—all who value their own baptismal call to discipleship while respecting the gifts of the Spirit given to some for the benefit of all.

Rose McDermott S.S.J.
Delegate for Religious
Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life
Diocese of Trenton, NJ
...

pdf

Share