Homily for June 12, 2011: Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the great birthday of the Church, Pentecost. It may be one of the most neglected of the church’s feast days. We don’t hang lights, as we...
View ArticleA blast from the past: "We are one in the Spirit…"
Haven’t heard this in years, but stumbled on this version by the great Christian group “Jars of Clay.” This hymn used to be a staple at mass when I was in high school — and not so very long ago, it was...
View ArticleHomily for May 27, 2012: Pentecost Sunday
[Click here for the readings] If you had to name one of the most quoted speeches of the 20th century, one near the top of any list would be the inaugural address of John F. Kennedy in 1961, with his...
View Article“Veni Creator Spiritus”
One of the great chants, a staple for Pentecost, impeccably sung here by a Gregorian schola from Italy: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDhYGdK0KQg[/youtube] A translation of the Latin verses:...
View Article“Veni Sancte Spiritus” by Taize
The haunting chant that is another Pentecost perennial, sung by the choir of the Taize community. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxXwAgkhWQ[/youtube]
View ArticleWhat does the royal wedding have to do with Pentecost? Everything.
From the sensational sermon by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the first African American to preside over the Episcopal Church, who focused his sermon at the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan...
View ArticleCan a deacon do the sprinkling rite during Mass? — UPDATED
A priest posed that question to a friend several weeks ago, at the start of the Easter season. My friend wasn’t sure, so he asked me. I said, “Sure. I do it every year.” The celebrant does the initial...
View ArticleThe Feast That Never Ends: Homily for June 9, 2019, Pentecost
This Sunday, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the great birthday of the Church, Pentecost. It’s different from most big feasts in the Church: We don’t hang lights or exchange gifts. We...
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