The Feast of Pentecost was a Spirit-filled celebration across the SVD Australia Province, with some parishes celebrating Confirmations and a number of communities gathering with the Holy Spirit Sisters to mark the feast day.
St Arnold Janssen who founded the Divine Word Missionaries, the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, had a special devotion to the Holy Trinity and his spirituality was deeply rooted in his devotion to the Holy Spirit, who he saw as being essential for the Church's mission and the transformation of hearts.
In Melbourne, the SVD priests and seminarians gathered for a celebration on June 6 at the SSpS convent to mark the special day.
"It was like a family gathering of Arnold Janssen,” said Melbourne District Leader, Fr James Aricheera SVD.
“The superior, Sr Mary Kujur had invited the local parish priest, Fr John, for the gathering. She officially welcomed all of us to their house and after the initial socialisation and drinks we did our prayers and had a delicious dinner.
“After the meal we had entertainment programs performed by different persons in different languages. There were songs and dances. It was a happy gathering of Arnold's sons and daughters."
A similar gathering took place in Sydney, with confreres from the Marsfield community joining several of the SSpS sisters at their Croydon house for a Pentecost celebration.
“We had a very enjoyable dinner together,” said Rector of the Marsfield community, Fr Bill Burt SVD.
In Townsville, at the Good Shepherd Parish, 56 children received the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.
Bishop Timothy Harris said the celebration of the sacraments was a wonderful occasion, attracting a great number of people.
“It was a wonderful gathering with full participation and a lively faith. I thank Fr Joseph Reddy Dondetti SVD and his team for the preparation that clearly was well done,” he said on Facebook.
The Friday after Pentecost, the SSpS Sisters invited the SVD priests, together with Bishop Tim, to dinner at their house to celebrate the feast.
“The Sisters serve so generously within the Diocese in Prison, Aged Care, Hospital, School, and Palm Island ministries,” he said.
“I make special mention of the presence of the Society of the Divine Word priests (at the gathering) as well. They share the same founder as the Missionary Sisters (Saint Arnold Janssen). Thank you for all you do for us.”
Also in the Townsville Diocese, Sisters Gracia and Mere SSpS, who minister on Palm Island, were celebrated with a special ‘cuppa’ after the Pentecost Sunday Mass.
Up in the Tiwi Islands, Our Lady of Peace and St Thérèse Parish in Wurrumiyanga rejoiced as 22 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Charles Gauci on the week following Pentecost, the Feast of the Holy Trinity.
“This sacred celebration was made even more special as it was witnessed by our families, friends, and the broader community,” the parish said on its Facebook page.
“We were deeply honoured to have Bishop Charles with us, who conferred the sacrament upon our children. In his heartfelt homily, he reminded us of the importance of the sacrament. He said to the children that we all are good, and they need to nurture the goodness they we have. He also extended a gentle invitation to all sponsors to journey alongside their children, offering support, wisdom, and love as they grow in faith.”
A number of other SVD parishes also had special Pentecost celebrations to mark the feast day which is recognised as the ‘birthday of the Church’, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus following the Resurrection and Ascension.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, the SSpS released a new logo on Pentecost Sunday, according to a report by Radio Veritas Asia.
The official logo launch took place during the congregation’s 6th international assembly of provincial and regional leaders in São Paulo, Brazil on June 7.
The new logo replaced the original congregation logo which was in use for nearly a century.
According to a video from the SSpS YouTube channel, the process of commissioning a new logo started in 2014 led by the Congregational Communication Team and involved discernment, prayer, and collaboration.
“It represents not just who we are, but who we are becoming. Let this new symbol unite us as we continue our mission with hearts open to the Spirit and hands ready to serve,” they said.
The Mission Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Spirit was founded by St. Arnold Janssen on December 8, 1889, in Steyl, Netherlands, alongside the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).
Sr Helena Stollenwerk and Sr Hendrina Stenmanns served as his co-founders.
Today, the SSpS is present in 48 countries, dedicated to their mission to spread devotion to the Holy Spirit.
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: SVD priests and seminarians gather with the SSpS Sisters in Melbourne.
TOP LEFT: Fr Joseph Reddy SVD, Fr Joe Jacob SVD and Bishop Timothy Harris with children who received Confirmation at Good Shepherd Parish in Townsville.
MIDDLE RIGHT: Bishop Tim and Fr Joseph among others celebrating Pentecost with the Holy Spirit Sisters in Townsville.
MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Niran Veigas SVD and Fr Hung Nguyen SVD with Bishop Charles Gauci and children who celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation at Bathurst Island.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The new SSpS international logo, unveiled in Brazil at Pentecost.