Paul the Apostle, if you speak in tongues, you need an interpreter! This actually belies a truth, if one does authentically speak in tongues, you may be unsure from who the tongues are speaking. Douay-Rheims, Corinthians 1:13 and 1: 28: 1 Corinthians 14 DRB (biblehub.com) 27If any speak with a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course, and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him hold his peace in the church, and speak to himself and to God. That's a rather interesting concept.
I have also had a thought that some of the tongues might be angelic. It's in Corinthians, " though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels"
This is why a lot of evangelical Protestants that I knew growing up in the 1970s / early 1980s shunned Pentecostals. I attended a Bible college in the mid-1980s. Pentecostals were made to understand that they were not to "speak in tongues" on campus (during chapel services or otherwise). Husband chose a Pentecostal church around 1994. One lady three pews behind us suddenly began YELLING (maybe in Spanish, but it didn't sound like Spanish to my Gringo ear); my knees actually buckled as if struck by a board. She was not asked to interpret, nor did anyone offer to do so. I have no idea if this is still a bone of contention amongst Protestants.
I remember a story Fr. Sudac told once of attending a meeting where they were speaking in tongues. He went with a woman who could interpret tongues. She quickly left the meeting, saying they were blaspheming God in the worst way. So yes, an interpreter is necessary.
Oh wow!! I've always been pretty wary of speaking in tongues. It doesn't really make sense to me, in the ways I've seen it done. On a side note, have you met Fr. Sudac? Do you know what he's been up to lately? I think about him a lot but haven't heard anything in a long time.
Fr Ripperger relates a similar instance. He is very very wary of this "charism". I could never quite receive that gift with any ease when I was attending Catholic charismatic prayer groups many years ago. Just one phrase over and over and I never trusted it was from God. I thought i had made it up myself.. Many years later I was at the Maronite sacred liturgy (Mass) in Aramaic and shocked to hear "my" phrase over and over. "Hear us Oh Lord. Hear us." I was relieved to know it was truly a prayer. Whew.
I think I read in a book about Mother Angelica that during her younger nun years she used to talk in tongues and was very involved with the Charismatic Movement in the church - I could be remembering incorrectly. I just never felt comfortable with the idea of speaking in tongues - I’m not saying that it can’t happen - but when do you know it’s from God and when it’s demonically produced
I admire this priest from I assume India, Father Joseph Edattu VC, but at times, I believe he will utter something that can be construed as speaking in tongues and then, I am a little unsure of what to make of this. Everything else he says though is thoroughly agreeable to me. Some beautiful music for adoration too. I believe in his ministry so much; that when it talks about these people suffering and some being cured, I do believe that is happening. I've read a bit on "glossolalia" and it is a fascinating topic.
I have known quite what to make of speaking in tongues. One thing I suspect, it would not be much use unless there is someone handy to translate? In the past I have wondered if the wide variety of Charismatic Gifts might be spiritually Kinetic. Or in other words the Holy Spirit allows us to taste for a while future graces. A sip of what is to come. So perhaps speaking in tongues might be a taste of praying constantly? Maybe? I don't know. I tried Charismatic Prayer Groups when I was very young but never really stuck it. I love praying alone, rather than in groups. Even at Mass I like to find a place apart. But everyone is different. Matthew 6 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
I think from reading the Life of Mary they used to have a private prayer room in their homes were they could retreat too. A kind of little Oratory. I love this. I think bedrooms are natural little oratories.
She did indeed become charismatic in the mid 70's. I watched her being interviewed at that time. She described a priest praying over her and receiving a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It is what started her on her apostolate. I find it interesting that God led her back to tradition step by step. Comforting because that was my journey. I definitely experienced a "quickening" of the Holy Spirit but I too was led back to Tradition--a desire for Eucharistic Adoration and love for Our Lady and the Rosary--daily Mass and quiet prayer time and a hunger for the old sacred music--Gregorian chant etc.
It's interesting, your account which is very good and thanks for telling us seems a bit like this one, in this case I think the writer says she was speaking in Hawaiin, of all languages so they had an interpreter. Article with a Nihil Ostat and Imprimatur so nothing contrary to the teachings of the faith. https://www.presentationministries.com/series/publications/publication-Tongues-247761
TinNM, I was actively involved in the Charismatic Renewal from 1977 to about 1991. Early on I received the gifts of prophecy and tongues. Until 1987, I was a member of Joy in the Spirit of Jesus prayer group. From then until 1991 I was involved in a prayer group involving about 8 to 10 families and a handful of singles. One could say I don't prophesy anymore, but there are times that I feel led to speak a message to someone. At these times, words of admonishment and/or wisdom function very similarly to the gift of prophecy. Subsequently, I've used the gift of prophecy only once publicly around 2009, I believe. I shared that later somewhere on MOG. I still utilize my gift of tongues at times in a private manner, sometimes after receiving Holy Communion, sometimes when I am under temptation, and sometimes when I'm in a rejoicing mood. Abuse of gifts is possible in many different contexts, whether they be charismatic or not. But in several other contexts they can also incorrectly be suppressed (think Padre Pio). Everything to God's glory. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful, kindle in us the fire of Your Love!
I thought I'd add something on, a forum member mentioned Fr. Ripperberger discussing "Speaking In Tongues" and I think overall, this is a concise analysis. Catholic Answers discusses, this discussion gives a bit of leeway to at least, being charismatic inside the Church: There are more video that can be posted; but that's sufficient for now. This very short video is claiming that Pope John Paul II (St. John Paul the great) reacts to speaking in tongues at the Vatican: I do hear of what they are speaking about.
