Pentecost Day, also known as the “Birth of the Church” is one of the most significant celebrations in the Catholic community for it is the day wherein the Holy Spirit has descended to the Apostles of Christ, enabling them to preach the Word of God despite the differences in languages. This event is commonly celebrated every third Sunday of May, in diverse ways or means across the globe.
In the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (DSPNSDA), Pentecost Day is celebrated throughout four remarkable events for the Church Community especially for the laities.
Remembering their Sacred Vows
Missionary nuns Sis. Lila, Sis. Miriam and Sis. Caroline stand again in front of the altar and solemnly utter their sacred vow, which is to serve the church with all their heart and strength. Through this, these three nuns were reminded of their duties and responsibilities for the church and for the community.
Serving the Lord, Serving for the Common Good
Members of the Parish Pastoral Council has been renewed to their respective positions for this Liturgical Year. This serves as a mark of trust that these people will continue to help the priests and nuns to keep the harmony in the church and also to encourage more parishioners to be involved in the Church activities.
Go Forth and Make Disciples
Just like the Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, hundreds of workers from different Church organizations were gathered and commissioned to be the propagators of the teachings of the church through their respective organizations.
Holding a lighted candle as a symbol of the Holy Spirit was bestowed to them, these Church Workers committed themselves to the serve the Lord and His community. Their utmost effort to live a Christ-like life will serve as an encouragement to other people to also offer their lives to God by serving His church.
During the mass, Fr. Bembol Hiteroza, Parish Priest of DSPNSDA emphasized the importance of the application of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in one’s life which are the Gift of Understanding, Unity, Empowerment, Preaching and Service.
“Magkakaroon lang ng kahalagahan ang simbahan kung mayroon tayong pagkakaisa at pagkakaunawaan.” Fr. Hiteroza said.
Light of the Nation
After the mass, the parishioners proceeded to the Via Lucis or the Procession of Light with their lighted candles. The Procession of Light consists of 14 stations, exhibiting the 14 events after the Resurrection of Christ. Series of reflections and church songs were sung for this sacred activity.
Celebrating the Pentecost Sunday was indeed important for the Catholics especially for the Church workers. We must embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we can be a good model for the parishioners which will help us to persuade them to be one of the communicators of the Holy Gospel just like what the Apostles of Christ did.
Flint Osric Gorospe
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Flint is an 18 year-old journalism student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is also a developing writer, actor, singer, photographer and a church servant. Started as a young member of Tanghalang Aranzazu, Flint had developed his craft throughout the years and expanded his networks as he joined in different church organizations. Currently, he is the Secretary of Avant Garde Singers and also a member of Ministry of Altar Servers, Tanghalang Aranzazu and Media and Public Information Ministry.
