Jubilee of Fr McDonnell, a pioneer of the Catholic Pentecostal International Dialogue
On Sunday, 11th July 2021, Fr Kilian McDonnell renewed his monastic vows at Saint John’s Abbey Collegeville, MN, USA, marking his 75th jubilee as a Benedictine.
Fr. McDonnell was one of the architects of the Catholic Pentecostal International Dialogue, both at the preparatory stages and as its Catholic co-chair from 1972 to 2000. A prolific author of theological and poetic works, Fr McDonnell was also, along with Cardinal Suenens, one of the principal drafters of the so-called “Malines Documents,” which remain a reference point for the Catholic Charismatic Movement.
Over the past fifty years, Fr McDonnell has established important bonds of communion and theological reflection with several generations of Pentecostals and Charismatics from all traditions. The presence at the celebration of Pastor Cecil M. Robeck, Pentecostal co-chair of the dialogue, along with his wife, testifies to this. The PCPCU thanks Fr McDonnell for his many years of service to promote Catholic Pentecostal mutual understanding.
The Catholic Pentecostal International Dialogue began in 1972, so far it has published six final reports.
Group Photo: Pope Paul VI receives in private audience members of the first phase of the International Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue, 26 May 1976. Among participants, Pastor David du Plessis and Fr. Kilian McDonnell, OSB.