By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Many parishes pray a 9-day novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation to receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
A Pentecost Mass presided by Archbishop Simon Poh was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) in the afternoon of 8 June 2025. It was organised by the Kuching Archdiocese Charismatic Renewal Team (ACRT). ACRT spiritual advisor Msgr William Sabang, Fr Eugene Maglasang and BSC rector Fr Leonard Yap concelebrated.
Testimony of the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Archbishop Simon Poh in his homily, described the election of Pope Leo XIV as a clear testimony of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church. Many people were shocked at the choice of a relatively unknown cardinal. Yet the cardinals, kept in isolation in the Sistine Chapel in prayers, were able to choose someone who would take the place of St Peter in a relatively short period of time.
He asked the congregation to trust in the Holy Spirit, given to us at our baptism. The same Spirit was given to the apostles at Pentecost. “Listen – he will speak to us. He will encourage us, ask us to forgive and show mercy. In the face of persecution, he will ask us to hold on to Jesus.”
The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Archbishop Simon asked the community to pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon everyone. Pray for “healing and reconciliation”. Pray to “bear fruits” of the Spirit.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord.
The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity.
After Mass had concluded, 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, followed by a short explanation of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by Alex Bong from the Holy Cross Ministry.
Parishioners who wished to be prayed over were then invited to move to the front of the sanctuary. The ACRT prayer groups and covenant communities in attendance were Bread of Life Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community (BOL), Holy Cross Ministry, and Servant Communities Emmaus.
The Pentecost Mass Choir and Praise & Worship team were from BOL.
Pentecost Sunday Charismatic Mass
An English Charismatic Mass was celebrated earlier by Blessed Sacrament Church rector Fr Leonard Yap at the 10.30 am Pentecost Sunday Mass with Eucharistic Adoration. Servant Communities Emmaus led the Praise & Worship and praying in tongues to invoke a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
