Holy Spirit essential for Church – Archbishop at Pentecost Mass

“Just as the Spirit birthed the Church, the Spirit wants to rebirth the family,” said Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon preaching the homily at the special Pentecost Mass for families on May 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

He described the Holy Spirit as an essential ingredient in the life of the Church. “There is no Church without the Holy Spirit.”

The Archbishop said the first fruits of the Holy Spirit are always precious to God and these first fruits “have been given to us”. He also said that marriage forms “a community of life and love” and to make marriage what God intends it to be, “you need God’s Holy Spirit”.

Addressing families, he said “There is no love without sacrifice. If there is no sacrifice in the family, there is no love or community.” He advised parents to teach their children about making sacrifices in life.

He challenged spouses to put aside egos and bend their hearts to God’s will, and for families to open their hearts and allow the Holy Spirit in, as he asked God to send down His Holy Spirit on all families. “The Spirit is like a shy friend, the Spirit only comes in if we open our hearts.”

After the homily, Keith and Wendy Patrick led the congregation, many dressed in red, in a time of prayer to welcome the Holy Spirit.

Liturgical dancers led off the entrance procession with laity representing all the people of God and family configurations.

Fr Jorge Amundarain from Venezuela, who will be involved in the Archdiocesan Ministry to Migrants and Refugees, concelebrated the Mass. Deacons Joachim Hernandez, Roland Joseph and Michael Smith assisted.

After Mass, the congregation was invited to the Awake tour launch opposite the Cathedral entrance on the Brian Lara Promenade. The event was hosted by the Office of the Youth Ministry, and 424 Music. —RS