Speaking and Praying in tongues.

Speaking and Praying in tongues.
Question from on 05-02-2007:
Sir, Iwant to know whether Catholics believe in speaking and praying in tongues?

Why is it not thought in Catholic churches, since it is a from the Holy Spirit?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and referred to in some Epistles, manifestations of the Holy Spirit abounded in the early Church, to include tongues and prophecies. Early writings reveal, however, that the vast number of miracles and charismatic gifts from the Holy Spirit substantially subsided, following the Apostolic period of the Church. Such miracles and signs served a purpose in that first generation, to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth against all opposition. But they also presented a danger, as revealed by Pauline writings (see 1 Corinthians especially), in that the faithful often attached too much significance to these, and lost sight of their purpose. There are elements within the Catholic Church are regard themselves as charismatic, though so far as I know, there is no official approbation of any particular group or movement.

Thanks, Anthony

Father Echert