On the Solemnity of Pentecost, the president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) and Archbishop of Manaus, Cardinal Leonardo Steiner, invited the Church and society to open themselves to the transforming action of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that “Pentecost is a time of consolation” and of building peace in the midst of a world marked by violence, fear, and divisions.
During his reflection, the cardinal recalled that the first message of the Risen Jesus was: “Peace be with you”, a greeting addressed to disciples filled with fear and isolation, but also a living word for humanity today.
“Those men needed a greeting that would encourage them, uplift them, transform them, and set them free: peace. That peace we also need so urgently today,” he said.
The president of CEAMA emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the possibility of recognizing one another as brothers and sisters, engaging in dialogue while respecting differences, and healing the many forms of violence present in society: political, economic, social, and familial violence.
The Holy Spirit, source of unity and reconciliation
Cardinal Steiner emphasized that true peace is only possible through the Holy Spirit, who inspires paths of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.
“The Spirit is necessary. We need the Spirit’s gentleness, breath, benevolence, and meekness. He illuminates our discussions, draws us closer in our affections, and gives us a language capable of understanding one another,” he affirmed.
He also highlighted that the Holy Spirit “softens the heart” and helps make forgiveness possible, an indispensable condition for restoring peace among people, families, and communities.
“Only forgiveness is capable of restoring peace to us,” he recalled.
Reflecting on the account of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles, the Archbishop of Manaus explained that the “strong wind” and the “tongues of fire” symbolize the renewing power of the Spirit that opens doors, frees us from fear, and sends us to proclaim the Gospel without fear.
“The Church is called to be a source of consolation”
Inspired also by the teachings of Pope Francis, Cardinal Leonardo Steiner noted that the Church is called today to be a consoling and merciful presence, especially alongside those who suffer.
“We must be comforters. We must be a presence of love, especially for those most in need,” he said.
In his message, he emphasized that Pentecost impels the Church to live a time of mercy, reconciliation, and closeness to the poor, the marginalized, and the wounded of history.
“It is a time of mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. It is the time of the Paraclete,” he affirmed.
Pentecost in the Archdiocese of Manaus: A Celebration Marked by Reconciliation and Solidarity
The celebration of Pentecost in Manaus was accompanied by a broad gesture of reconciliation and solidarity. Nearly 100 priests participated in days of confession for the faithful before the Eucharist.
In addition, thousands of people responded to the call to charity by donating non-perishable food items. According to Caritas of the Archdiocese of Manaus, 14.5 tons of food were collected, surpassing the previous year’s figures.
The Solemnity was also widely broadcast by local media, allowing the message of hope, unity, and consolation to reach numerous families.
At the conclusion of his reflection, the president of CEAMA invited all the peoples of the Amazon and the universal Church to allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the new life of the Risen Christ and to build communities marked by fraternity and peace.
“Let us be guided, enlightened, and strengthened by the very Spirit that Jesus sent. The Church was born this way: diverse, yet united by the Holy Spirit.”