The year 2020 began just like every other year- without any out of the ordinary drama. Well, not until sometime in February when we began to hear of a certain COVID-19 that in a reckless crescendo swept over the face of the universe, dealing fatal blows to its victims and creating global panic. Before we knew it, this hydra-headed monster forced us all into our co-coons of trepidation and utter confusion. As if that wasn’t enough, our Church bells went mute and our noses rather than enjoying the sweet fragrance of incense that emanated from our thuribles quickly adjusted to the near new norm of separating Oxygen from CO2. For us here in Providence, our Churches have been under lock and key for about 10 weeks now!

But not anymore! Yes, on the vigil of Pentecost, our Churches will be re-opened and public Masses will once again be celebrated! Yes, the Holy Spirit makes the difference. Yes, starting from this weekend, we will be able to gather in our beautiful Churches again to celebrate and bask in the glow of the Holy Spirit. And as we gather, we can be sure of one thing: the Holy Spirit will hover over our Churches, to comfort, renew, sanctify, and vivify us. Indeed, it is in the character of the Holy Spirit to sanctify and vivify. The Church’s existence today bears witness to this reality. As St. Augustine says: “what the soul is in our body, that is the Holy Ghost in Christ's body, the Church." This teaching was re-echoed by Pope Leo XIII when he said: “as Christ is the Head of the Church, so is the Holy Ghost her soul.”

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, as we commemorate the feast of the Holy Spirit, let us radiate with Joy for He, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity has come to bring us new life. COVID-19 can never have the last say, because although “weeping may last for the night, JOY comes with the Morning” (Psalm 30:5). May the Holy Spirit restore unto us the joy of our salvation and renew the face of the earth once more.

    Fr. Lazarus Onuh