Pentecost – One Spirit, One Mission

Today, our church was alive with joy. The pews of NBVM were almost full as parishioners from all walks of life came together to celebrate Pentecost. We came from different language groups and backgrounds, but we gathered as one family in Christ.

Many of us wore red, the colour of the Holy Spirit, to mark this special feast. A simple gesture, yet deeply meaningful. It reminded us that we are united not just by tradition but by something real and alive. The Spirit of God is here among us.

Pentecost is not just a story from the past. It is something we are living right now. Just as the Holy Spirit filled the apostles and sent them out, He fills us today and sends us into the world with love and purpose.

We are not just members of a parish. We are part of a mission.

Fr Ryan shared in his homily that the Holy Spirit guides us, teaches us and strengthens us through the sacraments. He draws us closer to Jesus. He gives us the grace to live holy lives. And when we open our hearts to Him, we begin to see the fruits grow in our lives. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Generosity. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. These are not just good values. They are the signs that the Spirit is truly alive in us.

Our Church is proof of this. If the Catholic Church were just another human organisation, it would have collapsed long ago. But here we are still gathering, still growing, still praying. Not just in NBVM/SCIC, but all over the world. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. His presence is what keeps us going.

And today, we saw one of the clearest signs of His presence. Though we come from different cultures and speak different languages, we stood together. One Mass. One voice in prayer. One family in faith. This is what the Church calls synodality. It means walking together, listening to one another and following the voice of the Spirit as a united Church. It is how we stay open to God and to each other.

Today also marked another special moment in our parish. After Mass, we celebrated our Parish Family Day. We laughed, we talked, we shared meals and moments of connection. It was more than an event. It was a reminder of who we are. A parish family. A people who belong. This is what makes NBVM/SCIC special. We are not strangers sitting in the same church. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are a praying community. A people who walk together.

Let us give thanks for the Holy Spirit. For the way He moves in us and among us. For the strength to serve, the grace to grow and the courage to go out into the world and share God’s love.

And let us continue the mission. By being people of prayer. People of kindness. People who care for the poor, for the environment, for justice and for each other. People who live our faith not just in church but in every part of our lives.

The church is our home. It is where the Spirit gathers us. Where He forms us. And where He sends us out into the world.

Be proud to belong. Be proud to serve. Be proud to love.

Before the week begins, take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit,
“Who do You want me to love better this week?”
It could be someone at home, at work, or right here in our parish.
Start there. Let the Spirit lead you.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love. (BV)