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It is with great joy that we celebrate many solemnities during this month, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. On May 19, the feast of Pentecost will be celebrated, reminding us how the Holy Spirit acted in the lives of the Apostles.
On this occasion, I want to highlight and communicate that we culminated our archdiocesan Confirmation retreats in which 425 young people and 95 adults attended. In collaboration with Kimberly Abadir, Youth Ministry Director and with the participation of Maria Murphree, Sr. Christine Still, OSF, Fr. Carlos Orozco, and Fr. Justin Ryan, and the coordination of logistics by Joseph Tancioco, and Lisa Hillyard, a space was provided for young people to meet with other parishes, pray, and share experiences of their faith. The archdiocese is also very fortunate that hundreds more young people have received or will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the coming months.
Additionally, approximately 1,300 more people entered into full communion with the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil Mass. This is a reflection of the hard work of those RCIA coordinators who accompany, catechized, and prepared all of these individuals in knowing and accepting the faith. This year was exceptional. Let's welcome all of these neophytes.
Let us remember that, on the date of our Confirmation, we received His seven gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Mercy, and Fear of the Lord. These spiritual gifts help us grow in virtue, prayer, and guide us toward holiness. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the apostles overcame their fear and began evangelizing all people of all nations. During this Partners in the Gospel phase, we pray to the Holy Spirit that we, as catechists, will have the courage to continue evangelizing and be instruments of hope, resilience, unity, and support as we say the prayer of St. Augustine:
"Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen."
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