Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Last Sunday during the Regina Caeli prayer Pope John Paul II invited those who will be present in Rome on Saturday May 29 to join him for Solemn celebration of Vespers on the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost. The Pope invited in particular members of the movement Renewal in the Spirit.
The members of that movement, and not only them, were overjoyed at the news of the Vespers in view of Pentecost. In fact the Italian branch of the movement had planned its own celebration of Vespers to close six weeks of prayer, called “Burning Bush”.
Now they plan to meet in St Peter’s Square a 5pm and to pray while they wait to enter the Basilica for 6pm evening Vespers with the Pope. During the vespers prayers of the faithful will be read by members of the movement and the hymns will be led by the Papal Choir of the Sistine Chapel.
“When I heard of the Pope’s invitation” said Salvatores Martinez, national Movement co-ordinator “I felt that the Holy Spirit was working with us. I was filled with unspeakable joy like a spontaneous effusion of the Spirit and I saw this as an act of the Spirit. I have seen many of the Holy Spirit’s miracles and surprises but I am always amazed and I realised that this is a presence which is greater than us. I firmly believe that this Pentecost will open the way for the
In Italy the Movement has about 200,000 members gathered in 1,800 prayer groups. Many of them will be in Rome on Saturday. Although many diocesan groups will have already planned celebrations with the local Church it will not be difficult for them to change their programme and with joy in their hearts to run to receive the paternal embrace of the Holy Father and with him invoke the gifts of the Spirit for the whole Church. (P.L.R.) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2004 - Righe 30; Parole 373)
