Saturday 22nd June 2024 AD
Good Shepherd Chapel
Abbotsford
7pm
The evening began as the church bells rang. Father Matthew prepared the gifts as the congregation silently entered the chapel.
The first reading was from the Acts of the Apostles and spoke of when the Apostles gathered at the first Pentecost. It was read by Father Matthew.
Next, Father Mark read from the Gospel according to St John - it spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit and reminded us that all who believe will have the light of life.
Archbishop Raffaele gave us his homily. He spoke of the nature of the Holy Spirit; how it had appeared as fire, light, wind, and water because it was the treasurer of blessings and giver of life. He told of the controversy regarding who Jesus truly was, and that when the Apostles gathered at the first Pentecost, everyone present heard the Creed in their own language. This profession of faith was heard because the Holy Spirit had acted as a Divine Google Translate and presented the message to each at their own capacity and readiness. He reminded us that when our faith is burning brightly, we can help to nourish, and be nourished by the church.
The liturgy continued and the Gifts were brought. The clergy and congregation offered each other signs of peace, and then the Gifts were blessed and transfigured. Archbishop Raffaele sang to mother Mary, and then to the Lord in the Our Father prayer. Then communion was shared by the clergy and congregation.
A final tribute to the Holy Spirit was offered through the kneeling prayers, where everyone kneeled and prayed while being lead by Archbishop Raffaele. A waft of pleasant perfume filled the area around the altar and icons as we prayed. It was beautiful.
Everyone retreated to the rear and shared snacks at the end of the celebrations.
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