By Leonard Ncube
HOLY Spirit Parish in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo’s Nkulumane 12 suburb celebrated the feast of Pentecost in style with 47 new parishioners receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Communion.
It was a magnificent Mass with the red and white décor complementing the sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Alex Thomas led the Homily where he challenged parishioners to go back to basics and observe the teachings of the church as stated in catechism.
He said he was happy with the number of those who received the sacraments of confirmation and Holy Communion but expressed concern that some people stop attending Mass soon after being confirmed.
He encouraged the newly confirmed members to observe their obligation to keep the Lord’s Day holy, going to Mass and not carrying out any work on Sunday.
Archbishop Thomas challenged Catholics to live in the Holy Spirit and not be waylaid by temptations.
He appealed to parents to invite the Holy Spirit into their homes while also challenging youths to shun alcohol and drug abuse.
“We welcome those who have just been confirmed. You have to pray to God fervently so as to get power from the Holy Spirit, as well as have complete faith and no doubt,” said the Archbishop.
He said it was worrying that very few parents buy their children bibles, rosaries and catechism books which are crucial weapons in Catholic faith.
“Parents have a duty to raise children in the ways of the Lord and train them to pray. Let’s protect our children as instructed by the Church’s teaching and avoid false prophets who bring confusion and division among people. As for the youths, leave alcohol and drugs. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us to live a life worth of the Lord so that we are pure in mind and heart,” he added.
The Archbishop was assisted by former Holy Spirit parish priest Fr. Tadeusz Grenda who is stationed in Riverside, Holy Spirit parish priest Fr. Tapera Muserere and Fr. Michael Tawanda Mabvengwa who is stationed at St. Gabriel Formation House in Ndolwane, Plumtree.