By Reece Jameel Talingting
The holy spirit, our fire in the midst of the dark, our guide in the sail of the sea, is our main source of help whenever we are starting a new journey. Thus, the Stella Maris Academy of Davao community commenced the academic year 2024-2025 with a Holy Spirit mass last July 5 at the SMAD Sky Gym. The mass started at around 8:00 am, and ended at almost 9:30 am.
Presided by Fr. Russel Bantiles, DCD, Marisians were reminded of the utmost importance of glorifying the Holy Spirit in embarking a new ride. “A million journey start with the right foot”, said Father Russel in his homily, as he highlighted the example of Pentecost. “Gathering to attend the Holy Spirit mass is hence a right foot to start off a good school year”, he further stated.
Some students were also chosen to offer kind goods to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Not only did they donate physically, but they also spiritually responded to the call of the holy spirit and wholeheartedly delivered the message as they have shown in the mass.
Furthermore, the extraordinary lay ministers from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish were also invited to serve in the mass and assist the altar. The Knights of the Altar Servers (KOTAS) organization of the school were present as well, together with some teachers as readers and commentators.
The Holy Spirit forms the entirety of the holy trinity, thus we must never forget to praise it as we know how big it could contribute to our daily endeavors. We must never forget that our light in the leap of hopelessness, our home in the emptiness of land, the holy spirit, will always be the one to connect us and bring us closer to Christ.
“The happiness of God lies on his people, and the only key to reach God is through the Holy Spirit”, Father Bantiles added in his homily. He also presented the example of Mother Candida, saying that “In Jesus we have everything, without him everything we have is lost”. All the gifts from the Lord would be impossible without the intercession and guidance of the holy spirit.
To receive the gifts of the holy spirit, we should unite our hearts and minds to form a faithful soul inside us. We must praise and dwell with the love of the father, the heart of Christ, and the light of the holy spirit: one God forever and ever.
The holy mass was indeed a great start for another school year as Marisians gathered and reflected to ignite the fire of the holy spirit as they step into an arduous path ahead. Come holy spirit, let your fire fall!