The Apostles, losing Jesus, huddled together in the Upper Room in fear and anxiety, bracing for the unknown.
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky, a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-11).
Loud noise. Strong driving wind. Tongues of fire. Proclaiming in different languages. As the mark of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Apostles could not be more dramatic and vivid.
Fast forward to today. Around the world, political conflicts and wars are raging in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The toll on human suffering is heartbreaking. Here at home, political divide, economic struggles, climate disasters, and social injustice continue to tear apart the very fabric of American society. Will there ever be peace?
As the Catholic Church buries her beloved leader Pope Francis, we huddle together, embracing the unknown with anxiety. We pray faithfully for the Holy Spirit to guide the Conclave in their discernment.
May 8, 2025. Rome. White smoke. Massive crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Silent anticipation. The College of Cardinals slowly filing towards the side balcony. “Habemus papam!” (We have a pope!) The newly elected pontiff emerged from the red velvet curtain at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica; Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowd:
“Peace be with all of you!
And faithful around the world erupted in cheers of joy and tears of hope!
On this Pentecost Sunday, as Pope Leo XIV, successor of Saint Peter, starts his pontificate, we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide our Holy Father with wisdom and courage, as he faces challenges in a changing world and the Catholic Church. May he carry the legacy of a universal and unified church, building bridges and dialogues to connect people. May he continue to advocate for the poor, vulnerable and forgotten. May he teach us to be followers of Christ, the peacemaker, and missionaries to all who seek God.
