Feast of Pentecost

Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Denis Hart
at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne,
on Sunday, 15th May, 2005, at 11.00am

Introduction

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we remember that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and set their hearts on fire with his love. It is the birthday of the Church, the day of mission, when the apostles were sent to teach the Gospel to every creature.

It is fitting that we welcome adult candidates who come to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during this Mass. For our lives and witness we pray, ‘Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your divine love.’

Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire. This transformed the fearful men into fearless and joyful apostles, teaching the baptism, forgiveness and faith of Jesus Christ.

We too want to hear about the marvels of God and in our own lives to say, “Jesus is Lord.” Let us say, as Saint Paul reminded the Corinthians, that the same Spirit gives a variety of gifts, all sorts of service and takes the gifts of different people to make the Lord present in the world of today. He is Lord of light, Father of the poor, best consoler and comforter, light immortal, healer of wounds, inspirer of the stubborn, giver of his sevenfold gifts, which prepare us for eternal life.

As we thank Jesus for his Church and for the outpouring of his Spirit, let us praise him also for the gifts which each of us have and resolve to use them in the love and service of our brothers and sisters. This is why the gifts are given us, why the Spirit is outpoured on us, to kindle in us the fire of his love.

(Introduction to Confirmation in the Roman Pontifical.)

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.