'The Spirit desires not just to visit us, but to dwell in us' Pentecost 2025 message from CNSC coordinator Abhy Thomas

As we celebrate Pentecost 2025, CNSC coordinator Abhy Thomas urges us to say 'yes' to the Lord's invitation for each of us-to experience a new outpouring of the Spirit and a personal Pentecost in order to transform the world with Christ's love.

Dear friends,

A very happy and blessed Feast of Pentecost to you all!

Today we celebrate the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit — the living fire of God poured into the hearts of believers, the life-giving breath of the Church. And how beautiful it is to remember that Pentecost is not merely an event of the past. The mystery of Pentecost is a permanent mystery.

I am reminded today of the words of Saint Elena Guerra, so fitting for this feast:

“The mystery of Pentecost is a permanent mystery. The Spirit continues to come to all souls who truly desire Him . . . If they only want Him . . . if they only invoke Him . . . if they only prepare a place for Him in their hearts.”

And again:

“Pentecost is not over. In fact, it is continually going on in every time and in every place, because the Holy Spirit desires to give Himself to all men and all who want Him can always receive Him… We only have to dispose ourselves like [the first believers] to receive Him well, and He will come to us as He did to them.”

Today’s feast is not simply a commemoration — it is an invitation

The Holy Spirit is always being given, always being poured out — for the renewal of the Church and for the transformation of each of us. The Church teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the “principle of every vital and truly saving action” in our lives (CCC 1091), the One who “prepares the faithful for the sacraments, draws them to Christ, and brings them to new birth” (CCC 1092).

This is why today’s feast is not simply a commemoration — it is an invitation. An invitation for each of us, in the depths of our heart, to long for a new outpouring of the Spirit, a personal Pentecost. To encounter again the Holy Spirit as Lord and Giver of Life, and to open ourselves anew to His transforming grace.

Surrendering the “steering wheel” of our lives to the Holy Spirit

And it is also a call to commit and recommit ourselves to living under His guidance — to surrender the “steering wheel” of our lives to Him. The Spirit desires not just to visit us, but to dwell in us, to animate every part of our life, to conform us to Christ and to lead us into the fullness of life (cf. John 10:10).

So on this beautiful feast day, let us ask ourselves: Am I making room for the Spirit? Am I preparing a place for Him? Am I seeking not just a passing experience, but an ongoing relationship — a life lived in the Spirit?

Let us together pray:

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts. Stir within us the grace of our Baptism and Confirmation. Grant us a fresh outpouring of Your gifts. Kindle in us again the fire of Your love. Lead us deeper into the life of Christ. Be the light, the strength, and the guide of our lives — today and every day.

Saint Elena Guerra, pray for us

Wishing you and your families a grace-filled Pentecost. May this be a day of true renewal for each one of us — and for the whole Church.