Regina Coeli: History of
Christian holiness begin on Pentecost
Before praying the Regina Coeli with the pilgrims gathered
in St Peter’s Square on Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis reflects on the Holy
Spirit, the “font of holiness”.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
On the day of Pentecost, when the Apostles, and
the disciples were united in prayer with Mary, “the history of Christian
holiness began becausethe Holy Spirit is the font of holiness”, the
Pope 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, Pope Francis reminded us that “The Holy Spirit bestows
holiness in abundance among God’s holy and faithful people” (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 Pope said.
Plan of holiness announced through the prophets
Pope Francis continued saying that both the Prophets Ezekiel
and Joel prophesied God’s plan that all would be holy. “I will put my spirit
within you…. You will be my people”, Ezekiel said. Joel prophesied : “I will
pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy”. The
Pope concluded that all of these prophesies have been “accomplished in Jesus
Christ” who is the “mediator and guarantor of the eternal outpouring of the
Spirit” (Roman Missal, Preface after the Ascension).
Living in the Spirit
Those who “open themselves to the action of the Holy Spirit”
continue the work of holiness begun on Pentecost, the Pope said. The path of
holiness in a person’s life manifests itself “in living in a manner worthy of
God and makes us experience the fullness of joy”. The Holy Spirit moves those
living in the Spirit to “maturity in their relationship with God and neighbor”,
manifesting the gifts that St Paul describes in the letter to the Galatians
(5:22-23).
Desire for holiness
The Pope concluded his Regina Caeli message praying through
the intercession of Mary that there be a renewed Pentecost for the Church. “May
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’s greater glory' ” (Gaudete
et exsultate, 177).
Message for World Mission Sunday
Before greeting specific groups of pilgrims in St Peter’s
Square, Pope Francis announced that the message for World Mission Sunday is
being published today. In conjunction with this, the Pope expressed his
appreciation for the work of the Holy Childhood Association, also known as the
Missionary Childhood Association, which is celebrating its 175thanniversary
this year. He expressed his thanks to and encouragement for “all the children
who participate in diffusing the Gospel throughout the world”.
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