It has been a long-standing tradition in our communities to have a special collection in support of our brothers in formation on Pentecost weekend. This year we will celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost on May 27-28th. Parishes staffed by MSpS clergy will take up a collection in support of this Annual Appeal. You can support our appeal by donating directly through your parish or online.
We kindly appeal to those not in parishes staffed by the MSpS to consider supporting our brothers in formation. ClickHERE to donate and select the Formation Fund! As you know, the Easter season ends with the celebration of Pentecost. The great event of Pentecost happened 50 days after the resurrection of Christ when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Christian community. This event gave birth to the Church, the Body of Christ, and the disciples received the mission to continue Jesus' work in the world. The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles and all men and women of the first Christian community to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth. Through our baptism, we all became members of the Body of Christ. Therefore, we are called to share in the mission of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The early Christians understood that they were called to live a new way of life as followers of Christ. With courage and joy, they preached the Good News, and people from all over the world heard about God's deeds of power in their own native language.
Today, God continues calling us as Church through the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of hope and salvation to our broken world. He also blesses us with all that we need so we can be fruitful in our mission.Pentecost is a key celebration for all Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, and as such, it is our central feast. We are grateful that our mission is shared with so many men and women worldwide. You all help us through your service, prayers, and financial support. God has blessed us, and we are growing in numbers. Last year we had four young men joining our ranks, and they are going strong. This summer, we look forward to welcoming the next group of five. That will bring the number of our students to 15. We are blessed to re-open our house of studies for Theology in San Antonio, Texas, for the next academic year. We look forward to sending several young men to our novitiate in August. God promised Blessed Concepcion Cabrera (Conchita) that one day there would be abundant Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in the Church. Being abundant is still a little down the road, but God has kept his promise and continues to bless us with good and holy vocations.
Like any family, our students have all kinds of expenses. Our young men are usually hungry – it comes with their age - they need to work out and make sure they are healthy, and – very importantly – they need to study. We are aware that we can't do that all by ourselves. We need your help. Your donations make all the difference. You will help us to continue forming future Missionaries of the Holy Spirit. I thank you all in advance for your generous support.
May the Holy Spirit abundantly bless you and your family with good health, joy, love, and peace.