Editorial

Over 2,000 years ago, the 12 apostles huddled in the upper room. They were afraid. Jesus had suffered and died an awful death on the cross. He had appeared to them since his resurrection, but the disciples weren't sure what to do next.

Related items: • News article and photos on Ad Limina Pilgrimage • Bishop's column • Photo of bishops meeting with pope

Then on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. Jesus had promised to send the Spirit, so that they receive the strength to bring the Gospel to all nations on earth.

Becoming his witnesses. This day marked the birth of the church, Pope John Paul II reminded his audience on the feast of Pentecost. The church is "made up of men and women of every race and culture," he said. "United in their faith and love of the holy Trinity," members of the church are meant to be "a sign and instrument of the unity of all mankind.

"Shaped by the Spirit to conform to Christ . . . believers become his witnesses, sowers of hope, agents of mercy and peace," said the Holy Father.

As a participant on the recent Ad Limina Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise to Rome and Assisi, I was among those hearing the Pope's message on the vigil of Pentecost. We had an experience much like that of the first apostles.

Catching the Spirit. The 49 pilgrims from the Diocese of Madison joined the throng of thousands in St. Peter's Square. The square was a sea of red; many people wore red scarves and waved red flags and banners. (We found out later they were members of Charismatic Renewal groups.)

They sang songs, swayed, and clapped to the music. Although we didn't know all the words, we Americans caught the spirit and joined in clapping. A woman near us opened her bag and gave us pieces of red cloth to wave.

Holy Father's message. A brisk wind blew on and off through St. Peter's Square. It was reminiscent of the Holy Spirit as he appeared to the apostles. And then the Holy Father arrived, with loud cheers and applause echoing throughout the square. The Pope told us that we, too, are gifted by the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles and Mary were.

Fr. Tait Schroeder, spiritual director for the pilgrimage, discussed the Holy Father's message in his homily at Mass the following day at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The Holy Father said the Holy Spirit is the link we have with the apostles. "It's the same Spirit that dwells in our hearts. We, too, are called to receive the Holy Spirit and go out to proclaim the wonders of God."

Pope John Paul II invited people to experience God in the Eucharist in the Mass and in Eucharistic Adoration. Then, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaim God's wonders.

Witnessing back home. The Madison pilgrims had their own experience of the upper room, of the first Pentecost. It energized me - and hopefully all the pilgrims - to go back home and witness to our faith: in our local churches, families, places of work, and communities.

In Rome, many people wore medals and crucifixes. Since I've returned, I've tried to wear some outward symbol of my faith more frequently. This is just one small way we can witness to our faith. Just like Peter, Paul, and the other disciples, we should be proud of our faith and happy to share the joyful news of salvation with all those around us.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

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Confused about casting vote

To the editor:

I have not decided how I will cast my vote in the coming elections. Even though I have been a traditional Democrat, I oppose abortion.

However having worked in a social services agency, I am aware of times when young girls are raped or impregnated by incest. This and the situation where a mother's life is endangered and there are children who need her care cause me concern. Nevertheless I have in the past refused to support pro-choice candidates.

This year other issues make that more difficult. Am I now pro-choice? No, I am the mother of nine children, two of whom died young as a result of birth defects. Am I now unpatriotic? No, I love America and what it stands for. I have three grandsons who are serving their country at this time and am the widow of a WWII veteran.

However, I am horrified by the Bush administration: pre-emptive war (opposed by the pope); misleading information, secrecy, tax policies, environmental policies, inadequate health care for children; the mounting deficit. I consider these to be serious abuses of power. May I balance these concerns against the abortion issue in casting my vote?

Colleen Barnett, Boscobel