Pentecost 2013 in Rome

19 May 2013

Event Report

It was Benedict XVI who had invited the ecclesial movements and new communities to Rome; after he resigned he passed this invitation “as a legacy” to his successor – thus on Pentecost Saturday several hundreds of thousands of Catholics from all over the world came to Rome to join Pope Francis in praying for the Holy Spirit. Just as the previous meetings in 1998 and 2006, it was an extraordinary event: Already several hours before its start, thousands of people gathered around St. Peter’s Square. The atmosphere among the people waiting for hours crammed together, was surprising. Many carried flags, banners or other symbols of their movement. Conversations were started, and over and again, someone began a praise song or a prayer.

The Master of Ceremonies led through a programme of songs and creative presentations as well as testimonies and meditations by representatives of various movements and communities. In the late afternoon, the excitement rose when on the huge screens Francis was seen in his popemobile making his way through the crowds to the main stage. The new Pope was obviously enjoying the gathering. His face was full of joy as he was riding through the crowds and also later when speaking to the faithful and praying with them. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, greeted the Holy Father in the name of all who had come from all over the world. First Francis prayed with those present before the icon of Our Lady “Salus Populi Romani”. Then four young people posed him questions which he answered in a catechesis, followed by the “Veni Creator Spiritus”, the ancient prayer of the Church for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The next day, on Pentecost Sunday, many believers from movements and communities returned for the Eucharist which Pope Francis celebrated in St. Peter’s Square. Here, Francis called the movements “fruits of the coming of the Holy Spirit” and emphasized their positive contribution to the church. He encouraged all to open up to the Holy Spirit who also continues to renew the Church. What he desires for the Church is a longing for unity, an eagerness to reach out and a missionary heart.

Francis encouraged the movements and communities: “I would like to thank all the movements, associations, communities and ecclesial groups. You are a gift and a treasure in the Church! This is what you are! I thank in particular all of you who have come from Rome and from so many parts of the world. Always convey the power of the Gospel! Do not be afraid! Always feel joy and enthusiasm for communion in the Church! May the Risen Lord be with you constantly and may Our Lady protect you!”

On Pentecost Sunday in the afternoon, ICCRS and the Italian communities of the CR had invited to a “Pentecost of the Nations” celebration in the St Paul Outside the Walls Basilica. The afternoon was an excellent mix of worship and prayer, testimonies and short messages (Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Italy, and Mons. Joseph Malagrecca, USA) ending in a solemn Pentecost Eucharist. Long after the day had ended, the members of my German pilgrimage group continued to rave about this meeting: It is always great to experience the international aspect of our CR-movement. The day was filled with fellowship with brothers and sisters and with the joy of the Holy Spirit!