ARCHBISHOP ANYOLO CALLS CHRISTIANS TO RENEW FAITH THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT DURING PENTECOST CELEBRATION
Christians have been challenged to renew their commitment to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives as the Catholic Church marked Pentecost Sunday all ove the world. at the Holy Family Minor Basilica.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Philip Anyolo, during which 29 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
In his homily, Archbishop Anyolo reflected on the birth and mission of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit, reminding the faithful that Christianity spread across the world because a small group of believers responded courageously to God’s call.
“The message of Jesus Christ spread throughout the whole world because a small group of people responded to the power of the Holy Spirit with enthusiasm and generosity,” he said.
The Archbishop described the Holy Spirit as the source of the Church’s strength, mission, and unity, emphasizing that without Jesus Christ the Church would have no message, no messenger, and no power.
“Without Jesus Christ, the Church has no message. Without Jesus Christ, the Church has no messenger. Without Jesus Christ, the Church has no power,” he said.
He encouraged the newly confirmed candidates and the congregation to remain steadfast in faith even amid challenges and uncertainty, noting that the Holy Spirit renews believers and empowers them for service.
Archbishop Anyolo also highlighted the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in accompanying the early disciples during moments of fear and discouragement, saying she continues to journey with the Church today as Mother of the Church.
He urged Christians to embrace prayer and reflection rather than despair during difficult times.
“In times of turbulence, we are called to listen to the Spirit that creates us anew,” he said. “We are called not to murmur, but to reflect before the Blessed Sacrament and allow God to recollect our minds and hearts.”
The Archbishop further challenged the faithful to live authentic Christian lives by ensuring that their thoughts, actions, and relationships reflect Christ.
He described Pentecost as a moment of “new breath” for the Church — a renewal that cleanses believers from past wrongs and equips them to spread the Gospel in their families, workplaces, and communities.
The celebration concluded with prayers for the confirmands as they officially deepened their commitment to the Catholic faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
