From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach
God Bless You All

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people who are all close to my heart
Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.

Pentecost —

The birth of the church

— the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus.

This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost which is one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church. Pentecost, which we celebrate this Sunday, is the liturgical season after Easter. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.

50 Days after the resurrection

Pentecost begins the eighth Sunday, or 50 days after Easter Sunday. The descent of the Holy Spirit ushered in a new era for the people of God. “Pentecost” is from Greek meaning “fiftieth”. The day’s name is derived from the Greek word “pentecost”, meaning 50th . Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the days after His ascension into heaven.

In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration 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 were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so they could understand each other.

The Fruits of the Spirit

It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk – but Peter pointed out that it was early in the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by 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.

The “Birthday” of the church

For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of The Church – Happy Birthday to the Church: to Peter the first Pope as he preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. The apostles and believers, now – for the first time, were united by a common language, and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.

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 of their sins and to be baptized. According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter’s sermon.

Happy Birthday, Holy Mother Church!

God bless you all.
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 | October 27, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 27, 2024

3 Important Things. Special Healing Mass will be held on November 3. The celebration will include mass, the rosary, and the anointing of the sick. Welcome back seasonal parishioners and an update on Andrew Reid our choir director.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 20, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 20, 2024

It’s election mode time. Everything we say and do will be perceived with a political outlook. But at the same time as the Church, we need to be the voice of Christ. Mother Teresa on the “Great Destroyer of Peace – Abortion. The passage below is the voice of Mother Teresa at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. on February 5, 1994. I believe her wisdom and concerns are so relevant today. Here you go.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 29, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 29, 2024

On October 1, Catholics around the world honor the life of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, or St. Thérèse of Lisieux on her feast day. St. Thérèse was born January 2, 1873 in Alençon, France to pious parents, both of whom are scheduled to be canonized in October 2016. Her mother died when she was four, leaving her father and elder sisters to raise her.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 22, 2024

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 22, 2024

St. Vincent dePaul, (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660) was a French priest who dedicated his life to helping the poor and is considered one of the most important figures in history of charity. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1737 and declared the patron saint of all charitable works.

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