Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Saturday 29 May in St Peter’s Square Pope John Paul II presided the celebration of Vespers for Pentecost. “Veni, creator Spiritus! From the Church everywhere on the solemnity of Pentecost, there rises this unanimous chorus: Veni, creator Spiritus! The mystical Body of Christ, spread all over the world, invokes the Spirit from whom it draws life, the very Breath of life who animates our being and our acting” the Pope said in his homily. “We relive this same spiritual experience as we are gathered here in the Square which has become a great Upper Room. And like us, countless diocesan and parish communities, associations, movements and groups everywhere in the world are lifting the same invocation to heaven: Come, Holy Spirit!”
The Pope greeted young people gathered in the Polish town of Lednika, united via television and radio with the celebration of Vespers in St Peter’s Square in Rome. He also greeted thousands of members of the Renewal in the Spirit Movement who had come for the occasion. The movement is part of the great family of Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The Pope said he hoped that “the spirituality of Pentecost will spread in the Church giving new impulse to prayer, holiness, communion and mission.”
The Holy Father had a special word of appreciation for the Burning Bush "Roveto Ardente" association promoted by Renewal in the Spirit in Italy to encourage twenty four hour adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He also mentioned a historical Gathering of Church Movements which he presided in St Peter’s Square on the eve of Pentecost six years ago. “That event was an extraordinary epiphany of the unity of the Church in the richness and variety of the charisma which the Holy Spirit pours out in abundance- the Pope said... So I say to you: "Open your heart with docility to the gifts of the Spirit! Accept with gratitude and obedience the charisma which the Spirit does not cease to give! Never forget that every charisma is given for the common good, that is for the benefit of the whole Church!". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 31/5/2004 - Righe 22; Parole 303)
