Pentecost has always been one of my favorite days in the Catholic Church. This solemnity resounds throughout the Church with auras of hope and life. It boldly proclaims that with God all things are possible.

There are so many beautiful portrayals of the Holy Spirit, some as flames of fire and a dove. I am also drawn to the portrayal of the Holy Spirit as wind, specifically as it is described in Morning Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours: “Father of Light, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds.”

I have felt that power many times.

I was ordained a priest on the weekend of Pentecost, on May 21, 1994. The next day I celebrated my first Mass. I will never forget the joy and exhilaration I felt as I secretly hoped that my red vestments would hide my nervous trembling as I celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the very first time. I was so grateful for the supportive presence of the clergy, religious, and laity, together with my family and friends as they surrounded me with their prayers, support and congratulations. At the same time, I was keenly aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding me as I took my first steps after ordination.     

There is a temptation to read the Bible just as a history book. While it certainly contains records of our salvation history, it is also the living Word of God. Therefore, Pentecost does not only commemorate the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, but also helps us celebrate that the same Holy Spirit is truly alive and continues to lead us and guide us. As Pope Francis said, “The Pentecost of the Upper Room in Jerusalem is the beginning, a beginning which endures!”

Since my arrival in the Diocese of Joliet, it has been my joy and honor to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation in many of our parishes. Right before the candidates for confirmation approach me for the sacrament, I encourage them to come forward with open and peaceful hearts. I acknowledge that, as they get older, their lives will become more complicated and complex. More than ever, it is consoling to know that they are receiving the same Holy Spirit who moved the Apostles from fear to love and action. Therefore, I invite the candidates to pray that they will receive this same Holy Spirit in their minds, bodies and souls.

In the sacrament of confirmation, once we are “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,” we are propelled to live and share our faith with our words, attitudes and actions. Being confirmed should never be confused with graduation, for it is not the culmination of our faith. Instead, it is the next chapter of a lifetime of being on fire for the Lord. This is what it means to be a missionary disciple – that, with the Holy Spirit, we continue to learn about God; share and teach others about Him; pray, love God and neighbor; and put our faith into action.   

A Church filled with the Holy Spirit is a Church that is:

• holy and sacred;
• vibrant and thriving;
• merciful and compassionate;
• hopeful and joyful;
• prayerful and praising;
• giving and generous; and
• tending to the needs of others, especially the least of our brothers and sisters.

I think I will always love Pentecost, a special day that does not just live in biblical history. Rather, the Lord promised that the Holy Spirit would unceasingly bring life to the Church today and forever. As Saint John Paul II so aptly said, “We have the right, the duty and the joy to say that Pentecost goes on!”

So, as we celebrate the birthday of the Church, let us pray, “Come Holy Spirit, come!”