Veni Sanctus Spiritus

The other week, Pentecost Sunday came, with a late night vigil and silence, followed by praying in tongues, shouting, and dancing. What impressed me was the unity I saw and that I continue to see in the Catholic Church. Those who did pray in tongues were free, as were those who didn't. Those who didn't dance and shout had patience for the extra hours we spent in church waiting for those who did. At such moments, people used to say they felt God's presence. I never knew what they meant, but I know that God was there in the unity different people had with each other.

Similarly, last weekend, Sister Margaret and I were in Kanoni. A small trading center (smaller than my home trading center) with a smaller church, we went to organize a men's group. We arrived on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Two old men were present. Soon, two younger men came. We waited to begin until 12:00 when we realized that no one else was coming. After talking about the purpose of the organization and doing a group session on the culture of manhood, its' positive impacts, and it's negative possibilities, we had lunch. It was 3:30 pm. We then walked around town visiting people and began our next session with the men at 5:00pm.

At the strengths and needs session that was done afterwards, the Holy Spirit came. No one was praying or dancing or shouting. Instead, more importantly, there was an incredible unity. The man who was an expert farmer was identified, as was the business man. The farmer stated that he had no market for his crops, the business man identified other, more profitable produce options. The farmer knew of improved growing methods. The following day, both men helped one of the old men to prune his banana and coffee plantations then they agreed to continue helping him. The teacher took notes and the following day, came to my trading center to fill out the forms. Yes, only four men, but there was another one there. One that gave them such unity, such strength in their togetherness that they can do great things. This weekend, in a banana plantation with four men pruning trees, the Holy Spirit came, and I can tell you that He was there.