Fresno, USA: St. Anthony Mary Claret (SAMC) Parish in Fresno, CA, hosted a Biblical Workshop focused on Pentecost from June 3 to 7, 2024. The event, coordinated by Frs. Manuel Villalobos Mendoza and Gerardo Rodriguez Garibay, CMFF, along with several local leaders, featured a series of reflective themes. The parish community was honored to host Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF.
The participants gathered in a green forest area within the parish grounds, beginning with liturgical rituals. These liturgies centered on the four basic elements of life: water, earth, air, and fire. Additional rituals highlighted the importance of nature, native languages from Mexico (Mixteco), folkloric dances, various spiritualities, and activities such as writing thanksgiving letters to God, native people, migrants, and the parish community.
The liturgies incorporated several religious symbols, including the cross, candles, the Bible, and flowers, complemented by prayers seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude for God’s blessings in daily life.
The workshop delved into various biblical themes related to Pentecost, such as the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, Pentecost in the Book of Acts, the Gift of Love in 1 Corinthians 13, and the Presence of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John. These themes were presented interactively, engaging attendees through questions and discussions.
The event saw an active participation of 90 to 100 people each day, including families from campesino communities, who brought along their children, teenagers, and young adults. This gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for all to reflect on the Word of God and experience the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit in their daily Christian lives.
