杏MAP导航

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

On the day of Pentecost, when the Apostles, and the disciples were united in prayer with Mary, 鈥渢he history of Christian holiness began becausethe Holy Spirit is the font of holiness鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said before the weekly recitation of the Regina Coeli with thousands gathered in St Peter's Square.

All called to be holy

Quoting his recently released Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et exsultate, 杏MAP导航 Francis reminded us that 鈥淭he Holy Spirit bestows holiness in abundance among God鈥檚 holy and faithful people鈥� (Article, 6). By Baptism and Confirmation, we are all called to live the Christian call to holiness and to become witnesses of the divine life within us, the 杏MAP导航 said.

Plan of holiness announced through the prophets

杏MAP导航 Francis continued saying that both the Prophets Ezekiel and Joel prophesied God鈥檚 plan that all would be holy. 鈥淚 will put my spirit within you鈥�. You will be my people鈥�, Ezekiel said. Joel prophesied : 鈥淚 will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy鈥�. The 杏MAP导航 concluded that all of these prophesies have been 鈥渁ccomplished in Jesus Christ鈥� who is the 鈥渕ediator and guarantor of the eternal outpouring of the Spirit鈥� (Roman Missal, Preface after the Ascension).

Living in the Spirit

Those who 鈥渙pen themselves to the action of the Holy Spirit鈥� continue the work of holiness begun on Pentecost, the 杏MAP导航 said. The path of holiness in a person鈥檚 life manifests itself 鈥渋n living in a manner worthy of God and makes us experience the fullness of joy鈥�. The Holy Spirit moves those living in the Spirit to 鈥渕aturity in their relationship with God and neighbor鈥�, manifesting the gifts that St Paul describes in the letter to the Galatians (5:22-23).

Desire for holiness

The 杏MAP导航 concluded his Regina Caeli message praying through the intercession of Mary that there be a renewed Pentecost for the Church. 鈥淢ay we be granted the joy of living and witnessing to the Gospel and that we might be infused with 'a fervent longing to be saints for God鈥檚 greater glory' 鈥� (Gaudete et exsultate, 177).

Message for World Mission Sunday

Before greeting specific groups of pilgrims in St Peter鈥檚 Square, 杏MAP导航 Francis announced that the message for World Mission Sunday is being published today. In conjunction with this, the 杏MAP导航 expressed his appreciation for the work of the Holy Childhood Association, also known as the Missionary Childhood Association, which is celebrating its 175^th anniversary this year. He expressed his thanks to and encouragement for 鈥渁ll the children who participate in diffusing the Gospel throughout the world鈥�.