Image courtesy of Young Catholics.
A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart
Pentecost
“Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the faithful.”
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (cf. 30)
“Knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindle faith in us.”
(CCC,683)
In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room.
A “strong driving” wind filled the room where they gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other. It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk—-but Peter pointed out that it was only the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission—to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel.
Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church
It was right after Pentecost that Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached his first Homily to Jews and other non-believers, in which he opened the scriptures of the Old Testament, showing how the prophet Joel prophesied events and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He also told the people that the Jesus they crucified is the Lord and was raised from the dead, which “cut them to the heart”. When they asked what they should do, Peter exhorted them to repent their sins and to be baptized.
According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter’s sermon. For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church – Peter, the first Pope, preached for the first time and converted thousands of new believers.
The apostles and believers, for the first time, were united by a common language and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.
“Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the faithful.”
Again, may God bless you.
With lots of love and blessings,
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 11, 2023
St. Anthony of Padua – the patron Saint of Father nathan’s Home church in India. FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY – June 13, 2023. Anthony joins the Franciscan order, hoping to preach to Muslims and be martyred. Anthony becomes sick with ergotism and dies on June 13 on the way to Padua, where he is now buried. Anthony is canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, at Spotelo, Italy for his spiritual teachings and devotion to the Church.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | June 04, 2023
As Catholics, we believe the Body and Blood of Christ is the “the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is REAL, TRUE and SUBSTANTIAL”
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 28, 2023
Pentecost is the birth of the church — the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 21, 2023
When you see a visitor, let us make them feel that they are welcome. Let them feel that it is a community that welcomes people, and loves people. And thanks to all the St Gabriel ministires.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 14, 2023
Celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on Saturday, June 10, & Sunday, June 11, 2023…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 01, 2023
I will celebrate my ordination anniversary on the tenth of May. I feel humbled and blessed that the precious and good Lord has also called me to share in the royal priesthood. The call to priesthood is the biggest precious gift in my life.