Our Pentecost celebration on May 15 was indeed a Spirit-filled one, and the place to be was the St Joseph Church , Mayo.

At 9 a.m. the Gasparillo prayer group led the congregation in praying the rosary. Sybil Francis then gave some welcoming remarks. We had visitors from San Fernando and La Romaine, and also present and specially invited were Keith Patrick, his wife and their baby girl, Jo-Anne Marie, from Chaguanas.

We then sang “Welcome Holy Spirit” and Gloria Darneaud led us in a reconciliation service. Praise and worship followed, with lively music from the host community's choir.

Florencia Dass led the “Execution of the Word” segment. After she had provided us with some words of wisdom, Brother Keith came forward to spearhead the “Empowerment” session.

He opened by wishing “Happy Birthday” to the Church. His questions to us about our spirituality not only provided food for thought but also led to self-reflection and soul-searching.

We were reminded that it was only God's Holy Spirit that could revive us, and much of the scriptural evidence was quoted from John chapters 14 and 15.

The ‘calling down' of the Holy Spirit resulted in many people feeling its powerful presence. Some began experiencing the gift of tongues, while others were brought to tears – a powerful moment it was.

Mass began at noon. In his compelling sermon, Fr Steve Duncan noted that we could not be empowered other than through the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminded us that we had not been given the Holy Spirit for ourselves but to renew the Church, the world and to bring peace.

Fr Steve also told us that we could only deliver a message of love when we understood the Word of God. We were urged to tell others of the marvellous work of the Lord and thus build his kingdom.

Whenever we felt discouraged, Fr Steve said, we must go back to the source of forgiveness and peace: the Holy Spirit.

Mass ended at 2 p.m. and we were served delicious corn soup after the vote of thanks. It was a beautiful end to our wonderful five-hour Pentecost celebration.

Thanks be to God.