Pentecostalism is a brand of Christianity that has not been substantially systematized in comparison with Catholicism. Its preoccupation with demons, witches, glossolalia, visions, dreams, tithes, miracles, vigorous vocal prayers, prosperity, literal biblical interpretation, and prophecy among its religious expressions and the lack of a centralized control authority has contributed to its proliferation such that its commercialisation has become a moral burden on Christianity in Nigeria. Therefore, Pentecostalism needs an appropriate logical response. The purpose of this study is to explore an avenue through which the Catholic Church can offer such a logical response to Pentecostalism. Gathering data through participant observations and interviews, it was discovered that Pentecostalism has been attractive to some Catholics for several reasons. The study found out that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal group that exhibits Pentecostal religious expressions exists in the Catholic Church, but not all Catholics have embraced it. It was suggested that the incorporation of Pentecostalism and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal into the curriculum of the Catholic priestly training would serve to equip the scholar as a change agent in Nigerian social environment. The paper invites the Catholic Clergy to lead a religious reorientation in Nigeria.
Catholic Priestly Formation, Pentecostalism, Witches, Prosperity, Catholic Charismatic Renewal
