From Father Varghese’s Desk
Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost— the birthday of the Church! On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and our Blessed Mother in the Upper Room, just as Jesus promised. This outpouring of divine grace gave birth to the Church and began her mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
We are reminded today that the Church is not a human institution, but solely the work of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there would be no Church. It is the Spirit who ensures her teachings remain free from error, who sanctifies her members, who makes her sacraments efficacious, and who binds us together as one Body in Christ. Everything that is true, holy, and life-giving in the Church comes from the Spirit of God. Human effort alone cannot achieve this—it is only by the grace and power of the Spirit that we are made faithful and fruitful.
How often have we said this prayer without truly grasping its depth? When we ask for the Holy Spirit to enter our lives, we are inviting the very fire of God’s love to dwell within us—to lead us, to transform us, and to guide every step we take. We are asking to be set ablaze with divine love, so that we may reflect God’s compassion, mercy, and truth in all we do.
Set our hearts on fire—what a powerful prayer. When was the last time you truly felt the fire of divine love burning within you? This fire is not mere emotion; it is the very presence of God that purifies, strengthens, and inspires. It empowers us to live as Christ calls us to live. It makes space in our hearts for Jesus to dwell, turning us into living tabernacles of God’s love.
Congratulations and thank you to all of you! As of this writing, we have raised $69,000 for the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal—far surpassing our goal of $55,100! This is a true testament to your generosity and compassion, especially in the face of economic challenges. Your willingness to give is a living example of the Spirit at work among us.
A very special word of thanks goes to our Catholic Charity Chairpersons, Joe and Janet Mooney, for their tireless dedication, leadership, and faith-filled service during this year’s appeal. Their efforts have been a true inspiration.
As we go forth into the world filled with the fire of the Spirit, may we become instruments of God’s peace, joy, and renewal— helping to renew the face of the earth, one heart at a time.
Let these practices not be burdens, but beautiful habits that lift our hearts to Heaven and make space for God’s grace to work in us. When we approach Mass with awe, humility, and love, we help foster a culture of holiness—for ourselves and for those around us.
Have a Good Week and God Bless,
Father Varghese
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