By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — Pentecost always occurs fifty days after Easter Sunday and ten days after the Ascension of the Lord. In the nine days leading up to Pentecost Sunday, the Novena to the Holy Spirit is prayed in preparation for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
This year, several Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching held novenas in preparation for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and some Churches also celebrated a Charismatic Mass on Pentecost Sunday.
Pentecost Rally
The Archdiocese Charismatic Renewal Team (ACRT), comprising members from various Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) groups across the Archdiocese of Kuching, organised a 3.00 pm Pentecost Mass and Rally at Blessed Sacrament Church on Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026. Msgr William Sabang, ACRT’s spiritual director and chairperson of the Commission for Bible and Faith, celebrated the afternoon Mass.
Alternating between English and BM, Msgr William described the events of Easter Sunday and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
“During Pentecost, the risen Lord is continuing to pour the gift of the Holy Spirit upon his Church, even today, here and now, and for one purpose, that is to continue the mission and work of the risen Lord to proclaim the Good News. Brothers and sisters, the Holy Spirit is the gift of Christ to the Church. We are the Church. Let us look at Pentecost Sunday as a new Pentecost.”
Msgr William invited the faithful to reflect on why they are Christians today. He said that Jesus has chosen them to continue his mission of spreading the Good News in their communities. As the chosen people of God, they have received the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and are called to evangelise effectively in their homes, families, workplaces, neighbourhoods and prayer groups. “Let us not be afraid because the Holy Spirit is with us yesterday, today and forever,” he urged.
Prayers to invoke the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
At the end of Mass, the congregation prayed the Act of Consecration to invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the prayer for the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Led by ACRT chairman Paul Wong, the Bread of Life Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community (BOL) provided the rally’s Praise and Worship. Afterwards, ACRT members ministered to parishioners who came forward to be “prayed over”.
ACRT members laying hands to “pray over” parishioners
ACRT wishes to express its thanks to rector of Blessed Sacrament Church, Fr Leonard Yap for his support of the event and Msgr William Sabang, for celebrating the special Pentecost Mass
