Letter to Clergy on the Solemnity of Pentecost

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this blessed Solemnity of Pentecost, at the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles as recounted in todays reading, Acts 2:1–4, and ignited within them an unquenchable fire for proclamation, we are invited to rekindle the burning flame of our own vocation and our commitment to Christ. Today's celebration is not solely a remembrance of that historic moment but a call to return to our first love—deepening our intimacy with Christ through regular examen, prayer, and Eucharistic devotion. As St. Augustine proclaimed, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee,” reminding us that in our communion with God we rediscover the vigour of our calling and the profound depth of His love.

We are entrusted with divine gifts—charisms—that the Holy Spirit bestows upon us at the moment of confirmation, for the common good, much like seeds planted by God, awaiting careful cultivation in the garden of our hearts. Just as the Apostles were transformed and empowered by the Spirit’s power, so too are we called to nurture these gifts with disciplined prayer and reflective silence. In these moments of stillness, echoing the quiet revelation of Elijah on Mount Horeb, the gentle guidance of the Spirit becomes clear, leading us into a closer, ever-deepening communion with our Lord.

This day also calls on priests to rekindle our original vocation. It calls for us to return to the fervour of our ordination vows with a renewed sense of purpose. Our daily commitment to a life of reflective prayer, intimate dialogue with Christ, and enthusiastic Eucharistic devotion is essential. As St. Francis de Sales reminded us, our vocation is an ever-renewing gift from God, one that calls for constant attentiveness and nurturing. It is in the consistent quiet moments before the altar and in the calm reflection of the Examen that we find the strength to meet the challenges of our time with renewed fervour, clarity, and compassion.

In the spirit of Pentecost, we are further called not to settle into a posture of mere maintenance, but to step boldly into a missionary discipleship. The commanding words of our Lord in the Great Commission, in Matthew 28:19, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” resound with a timeless urgency. They compel us to leave the comfort of our parish walls and to engage vibrantly with the realities of our communities. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, the zeal for the Gospel and the spirit of charity must be continually renewed so that our ministries might bear authentic witness to the transformative love of Christ.

Moreover, as priests, we are not only commanded to undertake these works of the Great Commission ourselves; we are equally tasked with extolling and teaching these very actions to all the faithful. Our role as clergy is to be the living example of Christ in action so that all may become as He. Only through demonstrative example can we truly become the teachers we are called to be in the power of Pentecost and the mandate of the Great Commission. St. John Chrysostom wisely encouraged, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and, when necessary, use words.” By living out our calling through every act of service, every gesture of compassion and love, and every moment of sincere engagement with our communities, we provide the template by which the faithful learn to live out the Gospel. In this way, our lives become the very hands and feet of Christ, guiding others to follow in His steps.

Today, on this day of Pentecost, I call upon each of you to renew your priestly vows with the passion of your first encounter with Christ. Let the Spirit guide you as you return to the depths of your first love, and step boldly into your communities with courage and humility: visit the isolated, minister to the sick, and reach out to those in need. Embody the truth of Pentecost in every encounter, confident that you are instruments of Christ’s transforming love and messengers of His eternal hope.

May the Spirit of Pentecost infuse you with renewed strength and a steadfast commitment to your sacred mission. Go forth as beacons of faith and living testimonies to the Gospel, actively converting hearts and renewing our common home with the light of Christ.

In the abiding love of our Lord and with the fervour of the Holy Spirit, I remain yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Dr. Felix Gibbins OSB Cam
Archbishop Primus of the United Kingdom