With over a million Catholics touched by the Charismatic Renewal, many now experience the gift of speaking in tongues—a powerful form of prayer. But what exactly does the Catholic Church teach about this spiritual gift?
The Catechism’s View
The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights charisms as special graces given for the good of the Church. It states:
“There are furthermore special graces, also called ‘charisms’… Whatever their character—sometimes it is extraordinary, such as the gift of miracles or of tongues—charisms are oriented toward sanctifying grace and are intended for the common good of the Church.”
(CCC 2003; cf. 799–800)
These gifts, including tongues, are meant to serve charity and unity and help build up the Body of Christ.
Vatican II on Charisms
Even before the Charismatic Renewal officially began, Vatican II acknowledged such gifts:
“For the exercise of the apostolate He gives the faithful special gifts… including those which are less dramatic… for the good of mankind and for the upbuilding of the Church.”
(Lumen Gentium, 12)
This reinforces the idea that the gift of tongues—and all charisms—are given to strengthen the Church and help believers live their faith more vibrantly.
A Historical Insight
A 1922 Dominican priest commented on 1 Corinthians 14:4, explaining:
“The gift of tongues is not for preaching or teaching, but for praying to God… stimulating and increasing faith and love.”
Even before the modern renewal, Church scholars recognized tongues as a personal prayer language—a way to connect deeply with God.
Real-Life Testimony
Many faithful throughout the years have reported powerful experiences. One author of The Sword of the Spirit, published by St. Paul’s, shared her personal accounts of visions, tongues, and miracles—dating back to the 1950s!
