ARGENTINA, by Rosita Ciola •
This year El Palomar experienced a wonderful Pentecost! The Holy Spirit was intensely present and along with Mary left an extremely special gift…
Mary, head of the Cenacle
The community of St. Michael the Archangel, which belongs to Barrio Aeronáutico, departed from Morón and gathered around the Blessed Mother to implore the coming of the Holy Spirit. Many missionaries from the Morón Diocese and other neighboring dioceses arrived, and after greetings, hugs and demonstrations of joy at reconnecting with so many beloved people, they took their places to begin praying the Holy Rosary. Children receiving catechesis along with their parents and many people from the parish community joined in praying.
As the rosary was being prayed, little candles forming a large rosary in front of the altar were lighted. During the prayers and meditations, this crown of light grew and warmed the atmosphere creating, like the Cenacle, an intimate and fervent atmosphere; Mary and her children awaited the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
Then the choir began to sing with the children and adults, who were attentive to every note. Everything was harmony and peace “how good it is to be here.” The flowers and red hangings marking the liturgical season contributed to the great beauty of this gathering.
Everything indicated the beginning of the Holy Mass. Fr. César Tauro and the altar servers, accompanied by the processional cross walked toward the altar. The ceremony was well attended, especially by the little ones and the youths, who took part with their enthusiasm and freshness.
The descent of the Holy Spirit…
The priest’s every word made everyone feel closer to the Spirit of Love that descended filling hearts with its gifts and graces, thus transforming hearts of stone into flesh filled with mercy and beating with that infinite mercy it had received.
An infusion of the Holy Spirit was implored with singing and prayers for everyone gathered around the Lord’s Table.
A great moment was experienced close to theBlessed Mother!
After the Mass, Fr. César spoke about the picture, which was at the head of the still lit illuminated rosary, enthroned more than seventeen years ago in the adjoining hall used for catechesis, the Federation Mothers’ meetings and where the human campaign usually welcomes many needy people to help them however possible. For many years, children, youths and adults have passed before this picture, giving her their hearts; how many life stories have passed in front of her? Therefore today she will be moved to the church so that Mary will have “her little place” there. The priest pointed to the altar that had been prepared, and invited everyone to give her a warm round of applause, which was given immediately, as a demonstration of affection, joy and gratitude for the company she had lavished throughout this entire time. There were tears and emotion from the missionaries who had traveled the neighborhood with her and her son in her arms, reaching every family. Many of them still remember the arrival of the Blessed Mother here in the depth of their hearts. It is a story that speaks of great love, faithful perseverance, surrender, and hope as she went along working, opening the way, and winning over hearts… a story that once again recalls: “Nothing without you, nothing without us.”
And so, the parish priest followed by the altar servers and the people of God took the picture to this very beautiful place where the Blessed Mother now facing the Tabernacle, is always close to her son.
Mother Thrice Admirable, we welcome you on this very important afternoon on behalf of the entire Church, where the Holy Spirit fills us with his love, he gives us his strength, and sends us out into all the world to announce the Kingdom; our mission will only be fruitful with you, Mother.
Stay with us always! Shelter us in your heart and take us to the bosom of the Most Holy Trinity.
Educate us to be docile instruments in your hands, and send us to take Christ’s message to the world, bringing everyone to the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
