PENTECOST VIGIL 2017

The seventh annual Archdiocesan Pentecost Vigil was a reverberating experience, which has been building momentum year after year. Of the more than 5000 who gathered at St. Patrick’s church, a majority were brought in from various parishes and villages by over 28 buses engaged for the purpose. The faithful spent a whole night praying for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit in seven languages in as many venues. As was at first Pentecost, the great presence of the Fire of the Holy Spirit was experienced by the multitude. The expression of joy and celebration was testimony to the mighty anointing. True to the assurance from the Word (John 7:37-38), signs and wonders poured and the faithful were soaked in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Last year the Vigil was held in five languages in different venues. The leadership’s openness to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, led to adding two more languages. Thus the Pentecost Vigil on the 50th jubilee year was in seven languages, Kannada, Tamil, English, Malayalam, Konkani, Hindi and Telugu.
Customarily, after seeking the intercession of our Mother, the program started at 9:30 PM in all centers in their respective languages. The silence of the night was broken by exultant worship and breaking of soul-touching Word of God, resulting in long queues at the confessional, even till the beginning of celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The faithful were blessed with a session of ‘praying over’ by the gifted lay leaders present.
As the night turned to early in the morning at 3 am, the congregation gathered together outside the church for an open air, electrifying Eucharist Adoration led by Rev. Fr. Jacob Britto. The chill of the night was soon changed to warmth of the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit. Significant to the occasion was 50 chosen from among the lay elders, youth and religious, upon whom the priests present laid hands and was sent forth. These fifty along with the priests later laid hands and prayed over the faithful for a fresh ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’.
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, our Archbishop celebrated the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated by twelve priests including Msgr. Jayanathan Msgr. C Francis, the Parish Priest of St. Patricks church, Fathers Anthony Samy (Chancellor), Jacob Britto (Spiritual Director – BCCRS). The enthusiastic faithful felt blessed with the inspiring message from the Shepherd, TO LIVE THE FAITH.
The session was closed by CherianRamapuram, Chairman, Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal (BCCRS), with vote of thanks.