Pope ties Church movements Mass to Pentecost

Vatican City, May 19, 2013 / 06:22 am

St. Peter's Square was "transformed into an open-air Cenacle," Pope Francis said after he celebrated Pentecost with Church movements.

"This celebration of faith is about to end, which began yesterday with the Vigil and culminated this morning in the Eucharist.

"A renewed Pentecost that has transformed St. Peter's Square into an open-air Cenacle," Pope Francis said May 19 before reciting the Regina Caeli Marian prayer with around 200,000 pilgrims.

His brief reflection prior to the prayer recapped his main message for the Mass, which was that the Holy Spirit brings "newness, harmony and mission" to the lives of Christians.

He saw newness in the pilgrims reliving "the experience of the early Church, who agreed in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus."

The harmony inspired by the Holy Spirit was evident in the Square with the "variety of charisms" and the beauty of those being united in the Church.

Finally, Pope Francis thanked the communities and associations for the gift they are to the Church. He then urged them to mission, the third aspect of the Spirit's work in Christians' lives.
    
"Always carry the power of the Gospel! Always have the joy and passion for communion in the Church! The Risen Lord is always with you and the Madonna protects you!" he proclaimed.