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| Bishop Donald J. Hying exposes the Blessed Sacrament at St. Christopher Church in Verona. Fr. William Van Wagner, parochial vicar, kneels during an Evening of Prayer held on the Feast of Pentecost. (Catholic Herald photo/Mary C. Uhler) |
VERONA — On Pentecost, Bishop Donald J. Hying launched “Go Make Disciples,” a new Evangelization Initiative in the Diocese of Madison.
On that day, the bishop led an Evening of Prayer at St. Christopher Parish in Verona. The evening included Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, music, a talk by the bishop, praying of the Rosary, and Benediction. Confession was also available.
The theme for this “Encounter Night” was, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Susan Swanke and James Carrano sang for the evening, with Carrano playing the piano and Emily Mansfield playing the violin. Ryan Zakrzewski provided video for the livestreaming of the service.
The birth of the Church
After he exposed the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Hying talked about the first Pentecost, the birth of the Church. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he told the apostles he would send the Holy Spirit, said the bishop.
The apostles were huddled together with Mary in the upper room. “The apostles weren’t sure what to do. They weren’t united,” said the bishop.
After the Holy Spirit came in wind and fire, the apostles went out to proclaim the Good News, noted Bishop Hying. “Once the apostles experience the Holy Spirit, they’re not afraid. God is with them.”
