On Pentecost, the Church is born through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is also the day on which, more than three centuries ago, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit was founded—our principal patronal feast. Each year, the Spiritan community at the Generalate in Rome celebrates this solemnity as an extended family.
This year, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro‑Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization in the section for initial evangelization and new particular Churches, in the chapel of the Comboni Missionary Sisters. In his homily, the Cardinal reflected on the meaning of Pentecost and the areas in which the Holy Spirit seeks to renew the Church and her mission.
He began by recalling that the Spirit is the fulfillment of Christ’s Paschal Mystery and the source of the Church’s mission. As he preached, “the Spirit comes from the Father through the prayer and the saving work of the Son”. The central question, he said, is whether we truly welcome the Spirit who always responds to our invocation “Come, Holy Spirit”.
Cardinal Tagle highlighted three areas of renewal. First, the Spirit opens the doors we close out of fear. As he noted, many today “close their doors, their hearts, and their minds because of fear and suspicion” . The Spirit breaks these barriers and sends us forth as ministers of peace. Second, the Spirit purifies our communication. Instead of the self‑centred language of “me, me, me,” the Spirit inspires proclamation of “the wonders God has accomplished in Christ”. Third, the Spirit forms the Church as one Body. Diversity of cultures and charisms must not become rivalry or division, for “the Spirit proclaims: Christ is Lord”.
The celebration was enriched by the liturgical music of the Choir of St Brigid’s Parish, entrusted to the Spiritans on the outskirts of Rome.
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