Spiritual Renewal in Japan (Journey of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement)

This is the first book which examines in depth the history and growth of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) in Japan. The Charismatic Renewal Movement has registered a great success in Japan. It has touched the lives of many Japanese. It has helped them to have a freshness in their spiritual lives. This book studies actual cases of individuals who have experienced the fruits of renewal in their lives. The CCRM has the potential of turning the flame of the Holy Spirit into a mighty fire.

Equipped with detailed Bibliography and supplementing Appendices this scholarly work also provides a critical analysis of the CCRM for its self- introspection and growth. The study concludes that though the CCRM has adapted itself to the situation of Japan, basic features of the Charismatic spirituality in it being intact. The book is a must have for those who are into International Studies, Religious Leaders, Historians, Christian Laity, Church Clergies, Researchers and all those who are somehow connected to the CCRM.

Reginald Alva is a Catholic Priest belonging to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). He is presently teaching at Nanzan University, Japan. He is also involved in pastoral and renewal work in the Catholic Church of Japan. He holds degrees in English Literature, Social Work, Political Science, Philosophy and Theology. He has a licentiate in Biblical Theology and he took his doctorate in Theology (Spirituality) from Pontificia Università San Tommaso D'Aquino, Angelicum, Rome. He has also authored a book titled The Spirituality of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement.

There have been various movements in the life of the Church. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement is one of such movements. It focuses on the spiritual renewal of the Church. In 1967, it began in the USA. However, it soon spread all around the world. It reached Japan in 1972.

Generally, the Charismatic prayers meetings have distinctive features like singing, dancing, clapping and loud praises. However, the Japanese are quite by nature. Therefore, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement has adapted to the Japanese culture. It gives more time for silence during the prayer meetings. Thus, the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Japan differs from the Charismatic Renewal Movement in other nations.

The Catholic Church is minority in Japan. Moreover, it also faces the challenges posed by secularization. Christian values have little relevance in the Japanese society. Thus, the Church has a difficult task of continuing its mission in Japan. The Charismatic Renewal Movement is helping the Church by seeking renewal of faith. It emphasizes on the role of the Holy Spirit in faith formation. People associated with the Charismatic Renewal Movement have experienced renewal of their spiritual lives. Their lives show the fruits of the renewal. Their testimonies attract others. Charismatics are active members of their parishes. They are reaching out to all those who are seeking spiritual help. They also engage in ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and social action. Thus, the Charismatic Renewal Movement is both the chance and the hope of the Catholic Church in Japan.

The Charismatic Renewal Movement started in the Catholic Church in 1967. Through its efforts, many Catholics have rediscovered the value of their faith. This spiritual experience has changed their life radically.

In this book, we shall study about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) in Japan. Japan is a fascinating nation. One can find many contrasts in Japan. It is modern yet very traditional. People in general are disinterested in matters about religion or faith. Nevertheless, surprisingly many religions co-exist in Japan. In addition, there are cults. Even though, people do not have interest in religious matters, they go to cults to seek favors.

Christianity is a minority religion. The government statistics of 2014 shows that Christians form 1% of the population. The 2014 statistics of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan shows that there are around 444,441 Catholics, about 0.35% of the Japanese population. Besides being minority, the Catholic Church also faces challenges from rapid secularization and degradation of moral values in the society. The Catholic Church in Japan seeks the power of the Holy Spirit to continue her mission in these difficult times. The CCRM, which reached Japan in 1972, has worked for the renewal of the Church. Even though, religion has hardly any relevance in Japan, the CCRM continues with its activities.

The Charismatic prayer meetings are usually lively with clapping, singing and dancing. However, the CCRM has adapted itself to the situation in Japan. Even though, it retains the characteristic features of the Charismatic spirituality, it has made certain changes to integrate itself with the Japanese society.

In this book, we shall trace the history of the CCRM in Japan. Further, we shall examine its various activities. We shall also examine its role in the renewal of the Catholic Church in Japan. We shall study actual cases of people who have renewed their spiritual life, because of the efforts of the CCRM. Finally, we shall also critically analyze the CCRM for its self-introspection and growth.

**Contents and Sample Pages**