Catholics mark Pentecost Sunday with prayers for peace, unity

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Roman Catholics, alongside non-Catholics including Muslims, gathered at Queen of Peace Shrine Kiwamirembe off Entebbe Road in Wakiso district for a vigil to celebrate the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.

The celebration was marked by joy and excitement among the faithful who turned up in large numbers for the annual occasion.

Pentecost Sunday falls exactly 50 days after Easter. Known as the “Birthday of the Church”, the solemnity commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary.

The celebrations featured several preachers who reflected on the significance of the day.

“It marks the moment the Apostles were empowered to speak in different tongues, giving them the courage to begin spreading the Gospel to all nations,” Fr Edward Kabanda, the shrine rector, explained.

Fr Kabanda said Pentecost serves as the grand finale of the Easter season.

“Today, Pentecost Day, is the feast in which we Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

He added that: “Today, as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we also celebrate the birth of the Church. Happy birthday to you all.”

Fr Kabanda further said: “We profess our faith in the Mass. We profess that we believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. It means that by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, those who profess faith in Christ are united as one.”

He urged Christians to pray for their families and stand as spiritual guardians over their loved ones by promoting unity, physical protection and spiritual growth. He also called on families to pray for patience, understanding and reconciliation in resolving conflicts and strengthening family bonds.

Fr Kabanda encouraged the congregation to build their faith on the strong foundation of the Holy Spirit, emphasising faithful service in Christian life.

He also asked Christians to pray for peace in the Middle East, noting that the ongoing war continues to affect the global economy.

Other preachers also called on Christians to remain steadfast in prayer without giving up, saying prayer is the source of joy through salvation and the oxygen of faith.