Pentecost As we celebrate Pentecost and the conclusion of the Easter Season let us reflect upon these words addressed by Pope Leo last Saturday to a group of Confirmation teenagers from Genoa. “One of the greatest joys for a bishop – in all dioceses, I think – is to celebrate Confirmation, because it is truly the gift of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is with us in a special way on Sunday, when we celebrate Pentecost: the memorial of the experience of the first disciples, the apostles, who receive the Holy Spirit to then go on to proclaim the Gospel, to proclaim the love of God. And you will all take part in this mission, because we are all sent: to your families, to your friends, to all people. And you must be a living witness to the Spirit who dwells in us. So, whilst conferring Confirmation is one of the greatest joys for a bishop, there is another aspect that is rather sad. It is that sometimes, when the bishop confers Confirmation—the gift of the Holy Spirit—you never see the young people again! They disappear from the parish. And in this regard, I would ask: pay particular attention to one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, known as perseverance may you persevere in the faith; may you return to the parish — there are so many activities, so many opportunities—but above all in the life of faith, because Jesus Christ wants to walk with you, with each one of you, and with all of you in community, which is so important. We do not live our faith alone; we live it together. And forming these bonds of friendship and community is a way of living out perseverance as disciples of Jesus.”Prayer to the Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit, live in us With God the Father and the Son, And grant us your abundant grace To sanctify and make us one. May mind and tongue made strong in love Your praise throughout the world proclaim, And may that love within our hearts Set fire to others with its flame. Most blessed Trinity of love, For whom the heart of man was made, To you be praise in timeless song, And everlasting homage paid.