New ecclesial movements mark coming of Holy Spirit

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu were the main celebrants at the archdiocesan Pentecost Eve Vigil Mass held at St. Rose of Lima Church. Katherine Jass Lopez | Today's Catholic

In response from the call of Pope Benedicts XVI to recognize and nurture ecclesial movements and new communities within the Catholic Church, Archbishop Jose Gomez, and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu, in conjunction with the archdiocesan Office for Evangelization, invited those new movements and communities within the archdiocese of San Antonio to participate in the Pentecost Eve Vigil Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church on May 30.

The liturgy, marking the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, served as the perfect occasion to recognize the newly formed ministries and communities who all have one goal in common -- to evangelize the good news of Jesus Christ. “Let us pray this evening and sing this evening and open our hearts this evening so the Holy Spirit my indeed descend upon us with power and glory,” said Martha Fernandez-Sardina, director of the Office for Evangelization, as she welcomed more than 1,200 attendees from throughout the archdiocese and neighboring areas.

After showing a video presentation of a Vatican gathering of lay ecclesial movements and new communities, Mass began with members of the various movements, communities, apostolate and organizations processing in carrying their banners. “It’s a joy and blessing that these new realities have come to our church; it’s a great time to be a Catholic, to live in this special time and a blessing in this day and age to have the Holy Spirit pouring out over us,” Fernandez-Sardina said.

The effort to recognize and introduce new ecclesial movements and communities within the Catholic Church is an ongoing effort and Fernandez-Sardina is hopeful more events like this will continue throughout the archdioceses. “It has been so exciting to see all these people gathered here to share their faith and witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our lives and community. I am looking forward to the roles these groups will play in the future of evangelization.”