May 24, 2010. The color of fire and symbol of the Holy Spirit, adorned St. Peter’s Basilica, as thousands of pilgrims gathered inside to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost with Pope Benedict XVI.
As the pope walked down the center of the basilica, he paused to shake hands and greet some of the faithful.
In his Homily, Pope Benedict XVI said the Church transcends all borders and called it the home of all of humanity.
Benedict XVI
“The Church is by its nature one and manifold, destined for how to live with all nations, all peoples, and in various social contexts. It responds to his vocation, to be sign and instrument of unity of the whole human race only if it remains independent from any state and any particular culture.”
The pope stressed the universality of the Church, saying the Church must be Catholic and universal; something that was demonstrated through the various languages spoken during the celebration.
Girl
“How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language.”
Man
“He who does not posses the Spirit of Christ is not of Christ.”
Pope Benedict XVI concluded his homily by adding that all Christians and churches must harmonize with the Catholic Church and added, the church can only be united when it is infused by the fire of the Holy spirit.
Benedict XVI
“It is a flame that burns but does not destroy, indeed, its flames bring out the best and truest in man…it reveals his inner form, his call to truth and love."
Pentecost Sunday marks the last day of Easter and celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, according to the Gospels.
MC
CTV
-WP-
