Archdiocese of Pretoria Celebrates Solemn Vespers on Pentecost Vigil

By Father Mathibela Sebothoma

The Archdiocese of Pretoria brought the Easter season to a vibrant close with Sung Solemn Vespers on the Vigil of the Solemnity of Pentecost, held at St Thomas More Catholic Church in Monavoni, Centurion, on the eve of Pentecost Sunday. Celebrated fifty days after Easter, Pentecost is revered as the “birthday” of the Church, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the launch of their mission to spread the Gospel. This sacred event marks the transition from the Easter season to Ordinary Time, signaled by the use of green liturgical vestments, except on feast days and solemnities.

The evening prayer was presided over by Bishop Masilo Selemela, with the Saint John Vianney Seminary choir leading the congregation in beautifully chanted vespers. St Thomas More, hosting the vigil for the second consecutive year, welcomed a large gathering of parishioners and visitors from neighboring communities, all united in anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s descent, an event celebrated by Catholics worldwide.

A Message of Hope and Renewal

Archbishop Dabula Mpako delivered a stirring homily, focusing on the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He framed his message around two pivotal moments in the universal Church: the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis, and the ongoing implementation of the Synod on Synodality’s outcomes. “The Solemnity of Pentecost reminds us of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, how we are called to collaborate with and participate in His work,” the Archbishop said.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah—“The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me…”—Archbishop Mpako emphasized that all believers are anointed to be signs of hope, bringing good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and comfort to those who mourn. He urged the faithful to embrace their calling as “priests of the Lord” and “ministers of our God,” serving as beacons of hope in a challenging world.

Drawing on Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year message, the Archbishop described the Holy Spirit as the source of hope, pouring God’s love into human hearts. “This hope does not disappoint,” he said, “because it is rooted in God’s unchanging love.” He called for a renewal of faith, encouraging believers to be “spirit-filled people” who maintain hope even in dark times and act as witnesses to those in despair. Invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Hope, he highlighted her steadfast trust in God at the foot of the cross as a model for enduring hope through suffering.

The Synod and the Spirit’s Guidance

Reflecting on the Synod on Synodality, Archbishop Mpako underscored the Holy Spirit as the primary agent guiding the Church toward a synodal future. As a delegate in the synodal assemblies, he noted a near-unanimous consensus that the Spirit is calling the Church to be a communion-focused, participatory, and mission-oriented community. “If the Holy Spirit is absent from this process, the synod will fail,” he warned, echoing Pope Francis. He urged the faithful to center the Holy Spirit in their lives, remain open to His guidance, and embrace personal, pastoral, and administrative conversion.

“People of the Holy Spirit are bridge builders,” the Archbishop declared, advocating for dialogue, inclusivity, and responsibility in fostering communion. He cautioned against divisive behaviors, stating, “Some disruptive actions seen in parts of the Church—where a few seek to impose their views—are not of the Holy Spirit.” He encouraged believers to emulate Mary’s example, embracing a faith that listens and responds to the Spirit’s call.

A Growing Tradition

Fr Amos Mabuti Masemola, parish priest of St Thomas More and Second Vicar General of the Archdiocese, expressed gratitude to the hundreds who attended the vigil. He announced that the sung Solemn Vespers would become an annual tradition for the parish, fostering a deeper connection to the Holy Spirit’s presence. Following the service, attendees shared a delicious meal, embodying the unity and hospitality inspired by the Spirit.

As the Archdiocese of Pretoria enters Ordinary Time, the Pentecost Vigil serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit’s enduring presence. The faithful are called to live as “People of the Holy Spirit”—witnesses of hope, agents of communion, and pilgrims of faith in a world yearning for God’s love.