1) What does Catholic doctrine teach about the Holy
Roles of the Holy Spirit
Spirit and its role?
Who is the Holy Spirit ?
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines (2009). CFC no. 1265, the Holy
Spirit of God is not the ghost of the dead Jesus.
Rather, He is part of the Tri-unity (Trinity): Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. These are not three separate
gods, but manifestations of the One true God. In the
Nicene Creed we proclaim our firm Catholic belief in
the Holy Spirit, who together with the Father and the
Son is the living God, the Blessed Trinity.
As explained by the St Charles Borromeo
Catholic Church.org (n.d.). CCC no. 1101, the Holy
Spirit gives a spiritual understanding of the Word of
God to those who read or hear it, according to the
dispositions of their hearts. By means of the words,
actions, and symbols that form the structure of a
celebration, the Spirit puts both the faithful and the
ministers into a living relationship with Christ, the
Word and Image of the Father, so that they can live
out the meaning of what they hear, contemplate, and
do in the celebration.
2) Why do Filipino Catholics celebrate feasts?
As explained by the Florida Catholic.org
(2024). The Feast Day celebration reminds Filipinos of
the Christianization of their homeland in the 16th
century but also enables them to see the relevance that
this devotion for people to this day, whether they are
living in the Philippines or in elsewhere. The Feast
places a special emphasis on the children and youth,
with all the hopes they raise.
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines (2009). CFC chapter 1 no. 54, our
Christian identity as Filipinos is naturally bound up
with Christian worship in our celebration of
Christmas, Holy Week, fiestas and Marian Feasts
each in a very special Filipino manner. Authentic
Spirit-inspired Christian prayer helps direct these
simple expressions of heartfelt love through Christ to
the Father of particular importance are the traditional
Filipino Marian devotions.
According to the St Charles Borromeo Catholic
Church.org (n.d.). CCC no. 1091, in the liturgy the
Holy Spirit is teacher of the faith of the People of God
and artisan of "God's masterpieces," the sacraments of
the New Covenant. The desire and work of the Spirit
in the heart of the Church is that we may live from the
life of the risen Christ. When the Spirit encounters in
us the response of faith which he has aroused in us, he
brings about genuine cooperation. Through it, the
liturgy becomes the common work of the Holy Spirit
and the Church.
As stated in the St Charles Borromeo Catholic
Church.org (n.d.). CCC no. 1107, the Holy Spirit's
transforming power in the liturgy hastens the coming
of the kingdom and the consummation of the mystery
of salvation. While we wait in hope he causes us really
to anticipate the fullness of communion with the Holy
Trinity. Sent by the Father who hears the epiclesis of
the Church, the Spirit gives life to those who accept
him and is, even now, the "guarantee" of their
inheritance.
As stated by Peter Fournier and Catherine
Fournier from the Domestic Church.com (n.d.).
Celebrating special feast days helps bring the
liturgical life of the church into the life of the family
and helps build and strengthen the domestic church.
It is a way to make the celebrations of the Church,
and the communion of saints a vibrant living thing
for our children.
Based on the St Charles Borromeo Catholic
Church.org (n.d.). CCC no. 1195, by keeping the
memorials of the saints first of all the holy Mother
of God, then the apostles, the martyrs, and other
saints on fixed days of the liturgical year, the
Church on earth shows that she is united with the
liturgy of heaven. She gives glory to Christ for
having accomplished his salvation in his glorified
members; their example encourages her on her way
to the Father.
Resources:
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. (2009). Catechism for Filipino Catholics.
Filipino Catholics celebrate Feast Day. (2024).
Fournier (n.d.). Celebrating Saint's Feast Days.
St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.org (n.d.). Catechism of the Catholic Church.