Margao: The annual feast of the Pentecost was celebrated at the Holy Spirit Church, Margao. In his homily, the main celebrant at the solemn concelebrated feast mass at 9.30am, rector of the Rachol Seminary, Fr Aleixo Menezes emphasised upon the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of God.
Menezes clarified that ‘fear of God’ did not mean being terrified of the Almighty, as God is very compassionate, but to fear failing to respond to God’s boundless love and understanding nature. He added that we have to reciprocate God’s love in a similar manner to our fellow beings.
Later, he released ‘Unum Presbyterium or One Priesthood’ — a compilation on the diocesan priests who have worked in the Tiswadi taluka of Goa — written by Fr Nascimento J Mascarenhas and published by Cinnamon Teal Publishing.
This is Mascarenhas’ second book as he had previously written on the diocesan priests who served in the Bardez taluka. Menezes, along with parish priest Fr Avinash Rebelo, applauded the efforts by Mascarenhas, The Times of India reported.
Melson Louis compered the brief event immediately after the traditional feast procession within the church compound. Thousands of parishioners participated in the masses that commenced from 5am onwards. Novenas for this annual feast commenced on May 26 with the rosary being recited daily at 5.45pm followed by the mass, which was based on different themes with Fr Kenneth Teles, Fr Jorge Fernandes, Fr Mansueto Fernandes and Fr Seby Vaz preaching the gospel during the novenas.
The Holy Spirit feast is also popularly called as Purumentachem Fest.