Official calendar of the church Symbolize flame of the holy spirit

Where we prepare for the 1st coming of the messiah

“nativity of Christ”

The word
. passion (passio/ patior) which means to
-symbolize the royalty of the coming king Jesus Christ

The Greek word means “suffering”,

Celebrate the birth of Jesus “experience”, or “emotion”
Solemnity of Mary (Luke 19:28-40)
Epiphany In the Roman Empire crucifixion was regarded as the
most humiliating and painful of all penalties. It was
Feast of the holy family confined to slaves and foreigners. No Roman citizen
could be crucified. Death penalty was a capital
punishment imposed in Roman Palestine to person who
-symbolize the joyous season are condemned of high crimes.

Getting ready for the next happenings

Start with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river

-symbolize season of growth

Where we prepare for the commemoration of Jesus

The Synoptic Gospels Matt, Mark, and Luke Show that
passion death & resurrection
the Jewish authorities, such as the chief priests, elders,
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of lent and scribes, were plotting to kill Jesus at least two days
before Passover.

3 day commemoration of Jesus’s passion

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday

Easter vigil Jesus’ feet is anointed by Mary of Bethany that takes

place in the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
Triumph of christ over death
Paschal candle is being lit up
 •The Gospels record that Jesus was mocked by Roman
soldiers prior to His execution.
The Last Supper is the final meal that, in the Gospel
accounts, Jesus shared with His apostles in Jerusalem
before his crucifixion. “The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the
praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. They
clothed him in a purple and, weaving a crown of thorns,
placed it on him. They began to salute him with, ‘Hail,
King of the Jews!’ and kept striking his head with a reed
and spitting upon him in homage. And when they had
mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak,
The event ultimately led, in the Gospel accounts, to dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to
Jesus’ Crucifixion. crucify him.”

•Prior to the crucifixion, like any condemned prisoners,

Jesus was beaten, scourged, mocked, and humiliated.
The chief priests (Caiaphas) and the elders made their •In most cases, prisoners can die from this maltreatment,
plans against Jesus to put him to death. They put him in so Jewish law limits floggings to thirty-nine lashes (II
chains, led him off over to Pilate, the Roman Governor. Cor. 11:24)
• Jesus understood that he had a mission from his
Father to preach the good news of God’s reign
and to work for the establishment of that reign.
He understood that his mission was to do the
will of God and he pursued that goal with a •Jesus, as any condemned person, was forced to carry
single-minded fidelity which led him to his His own cross beam to Golgotha (Place of the Skull) ,
death. He was not the first or the last person to the place of crucifixion.
suffer for his integrity and principles. (Knox,
1999)
• God has given people free will. He has shown
people how they should obey the Ten
Commandments and follow •The early Christians remembered that Jesus had spoken
Jesus’ life and teaching. It is then up to human from the cross, although it is unlikely utterances
beings decide whether or not to follow God’s attributed to Him in the Gospels.
instructions.
• God wants people to follow the example of “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they
Jesus and help those who are suffering. God are doing.”(Lk. 23:34)
must have a reason for allowing evil and
suffering but the reason is beyond human
understanding. “Woman, here is your son.” “Here is your mother (Jn.
• Love is: also the fullest source of the answer to 19:26-27)
the question of the meaning of suffering. This
answer has been given by God to the man in
Cross of Jesus Christ (Salvifici Doloris 13) “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in
• In such a concept, to suffer means to become Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)
particularly susceptible, particularly open to the
working of the salvific powers of God, offered
to humanity in Christ (Salvifici Doloris 23) “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” “My God, My God why
have you forsakenme?”(Mk. 15:34; Mt. 27:46)
“I am thirsty.”(Jn. 19:28) -The resurrection is not a reincarnation (samsara) like
the beliefs of Hindus and Buddhist.

“It is accomplished.”(Jn. 19:30)

“Father, into your hands I commend my 1. Christ’s Resurrection confirmed everything Christ
spirit.”(Lk. 23:46) had done and taught.
In Matthew 27:57-60, man named Joseph asked Pilate to 2. Through His Resurrection, Christ fulfilled the Old
take the body of Jesus and bury him in a tomb that he Testament prophecies promising a Savior for all the
owned. In John 19:38-42 that another man named world. (cf. Ps 110; Dn 7:13)
Nicodemus helped Joseph place the body of Jesus in the
tomb. 3. The Resurrection confirmed Jesus’ divinity.
4. Christ’s death freed us from sin, and His Resurrection
brought us a share in the new life of adopted
sons/daughters of the Father in the Holy Spirit. “If
-On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, then we have died with Christ (freed from sin), we
the women took the spices they had prepared and went believe that we shall also live with him” (Rom. 6:8)
to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from
the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the 5. Christ is principle and source of our future
body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering resurrection.
about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed
like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the
women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but
the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living
among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven
Remember how he told you, while he was still with you and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your
in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to son, so
the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be
that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him
raised again.’ ”8 Then they remembered his words. 9
authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these
to all you
things to the Eleven and to all the others.10 It was Mary
Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know
others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent,
they did not believe the women, because their words Jesus Christ.
seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up
and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that
linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you,
to himself what had happened. with the
glory that I had with you before the world began.

RESURRECTION → RESURGERE “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out
of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them
TO RISE AGAIN to me,
It is the fundamental truth of our faith in Christ, a faith and they have kept your word. Now they know that
believed and lived by the first Christian Community. everything you gave me is from you, because the words
you gave to
me I have given to them, and they accepted them and
-The resurrection is not a reanimation, that is, simple
truly understood that I came from you, and they have
return to earthly life, to be followed by a second death.
believed
-The resurrection is not simply the immortality of the
soul.
that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am
world but for the ones you have given me, because they they also may be with me, that they may see my glory
are that you
yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of
yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not
now I will know you,
no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made
while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in known to them your name and I will make it known, that
your name that the
you have given me, so that they may be one just as we love with which you loved me may be in them and I in
are. When I was with them I protected them in your them.” (John 17: 1-26)
name that
Jesus prays for his own so that they may become the
you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them new people, that is dedicated to God, this time according
was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the to the truth. He will pour over them the Spirit of Truth,
scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to who has been promised to Israel, and who will instruct
you. us
I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy inwardly. By praying for his disciples, Christ prayed for
completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated the Church (Mullins 2003) to whom He entrusted his
them, own
because they do not belong to the world any more than I mission. In a special way, Jesus prayed that all may be
belong to the world. Do not ask that you take them out one in God just as he dwells with God in the Spirit. By
of the praying for
world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do the unity of his people, Jesus desired the unity of the
not belong to the world any more than I belong to the believing community, the Church (Martin & Wright
world. 2015).
Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you Like the early and today’s Christians, the details you are
sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. offered dictate how you view your group. With new
And I
people joining Christian communities, the group
consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be continuously struggles not to be derailed from its
consecrated in truth. founding goal. Jesus
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will prayed that the truth would still prevail through the test
believe in me through their word, so that they may all be of time and the journey of his followers. This final
one, as lesson invites
you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be us to view the community given by its founders as a
in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I growing one and challenges us, Christians, to actively
have
participate in its continuous development.
given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be
one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they
may be The Second Vatican Council was called by Pope John
brought to perfection as one, that the world may know XXIII, now St. John XXXIII sets out 3 general
that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you purposes for the council namely:
loved me.
1. Spiritual renewal for the life of the Church;
2. An updating (aggiornamento) of its official attitudes
and approaches; and
3. The promotion of unity among Christians. and Decrees of Second Plenary Council of the
Philippines. The Church in the Philippines was not an
The term that St. John XXIII employed to capture his exemption from the
agenda for Vatican II was “aggiornamento”, an Italian
word which realities in the Church before Vatican II. The effect of
means “bringing up to date”. The word also means being this in the Philippine Church is presented by PCP II in
open and being renewed. Thus, aggiornamento envisions the Lights and Shadows (#8-33).
a
Since the establishment of the Philippine Church during
profound inner transformation (not only external the Spanish occupation, the spirit of true Catholicism or
changes) and renewal of communities. a true

The endeavor demands a second principle: Christian mindset remains a big challenge until today
ressourcement (transposing the French meaning to its among Filipinos. Many are still “unchurched” (see CFC
English equivalent). #172)- those

This French word expresses a return to the sources of who remain away from the life of the church for some
faith (“Ad Fontes”: ex. Scripture, Tradition, Church reasons, others are not well catechized, still others are
Fathers) and not well

integrating into contemporary ecclesiology. By going educated about the Church’s doctrine. Many Filipinos
back to the sources, the Church can move forward. are content with interpreting the faith in their limited
Aggiornamento
understanding though their deep faith. These
and ressourcement are the two foundational pillars that interpretations often find life in active practices of
guided the four sessions of the second Vatican Council. popular religiosity/devotion.
(Echeverria 2014) They also guide all efforts today to
Some special concerns also exist such as the
truly Christ’s church, to be the holy people of God.
proliferation of different sects which follow extreme
(Kroeger, 2021)
personal
The principles mentioned above make the Second
interpretations of beliefs, the rampant practice of graft
Vatican Council God’s way of opening the Church’s and corruption, the elitist group of political powers who
door to the world.
The Church was opened for more dialogue perpetuate their status in their family circle, the big gap
with the different realities/situations in the world for the between the rich and the poor, and many others.
effective spread or
Like the Church that is dynamic and continuously
proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Examples are updating itself, you are called to participate in this
the use of vernacular language, inculturation, and the renewal. You can do
need for the active participation of the Laity and this by updating ourselves with the contemporary issues
others. in our church, involve in the parish activities and
volunteer your
Moreover, heeding the call of the Second Vatican
Council and in response to the developments in world talents and skills most especially in making the liturgy
history and active and vibrant.

reading signs of the times, the Church in the Philippines Throughout its life, the Church encountered many
responded with its inculturated response to the realities difficulties and got through them. As discussed above,
in the the Church is

local church. The Philippine church discerned her still facing plenty of challenges and one of them is
renewed role in relation to these realities and articulated popular religiosity.
it in the Acts
The Pontifical Council for Culture (1999) paragraph 28
affirmed that popular religiosity is an illustration of a
genuine
inculturation of faith, a harmonious blend of faith and Catholic religion does not become saints or Mary-
liturgy, feelings and art, and the recognition of our centered but must always remain Christ-centered.
(Christian)
(PCP II 172-174)
identity in local traditions. Furthermore, it is the
evidence of the osmosis that takes place between the
innovative power
"The church is a growing community." It is growing in
of the Gospel and the deepest levels of culture, that terms of population, its needs and issues, and its
culture which needs constant discernment, so that its diversity. Due to
genuine
rising socio-economic issues and challenges,
spiritual values may gradually be brought to fruition in communities need to keep up with the changes. We
Christ and the inauthentic Christian expressions purified. cannot remain

One neglected issue PCP II focused in its work on indifferent to the saddening state of our environment
renewal is worship. It is on this account that guidelines while keeping our faith (see Laudato Si’ paragraph nos.
63, 64,
are provided on popular religiosity in our times.
216, 220-21). The action of the Vatican II reminds us
A renewed life of worship will also mean the critical and that living the faith also means that our faith must be
fervent use of popular religious practices. These relevant to
religious
the community we live in. How can our faith become
practices are rich in values. They manifest a thirst for relevant if we fail to act on certain community needs?
God and enable people to be generous and sacrificing in Regardless
order to
of religion, each one is expected to do his/her share in
witness their faith. These practices show a deep building their community. The role of the Spirit is to
awareness of the attributes of God’s fatherhood, build
providence, loving and
communities. In this regard, each one has a moral
constant presence. They engender attitudes of patience, responsibility to contribute to the building of the
the sense of the Cross in daily life, detachment,
community in fellowship and communal support.
openness to others and devotion.
Diversity in culture and language, in histories and
But we need to foster these popular religious practices in heritage, in mindset and look, and in religious
such a way that they do not lead to the distortion of affiliations and
religion or
confessions are given in our present situation. That is
remain at the level of superficial form of worship but why the Second Vatican Council endeavored to
become rather expressions of faith. We must continue to implement “Unity
foster
in diversity” and departed from the old principle of
our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary including the “Unity in uniformity” prior to Vatican II. This shift led
saints but we must make sure that these devotions are to several
seen in
changes in the life of the church and articulation of its
relationship with, and in subordination to, Christ, the one teachings.
Mediator between God and the human kind. In practice
the 1. As a member of an evolving and highly diverse
community, how can you concretely aid or contribute to
saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary seem to preoccupy the
the attention of many of the faithful more than Christ
does. Our community’s development? Briefly describe your action
and briefly explain the significance of it.
pastoral practice must ensure that the
2. In view of the challenge posed by diversity, called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God
what concrete actions can you propose or do in terms of and the church. A person with reverence recognizes our
the following total reliance on God and comes before God with
humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the
diverse contexts: (kindly write your answers in the third Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to
column under Proposed action as solution)
God as our Father, Aquinas writes.  Fear of the Lord
(Wonder and Awe): With the gift of fear of the Lord we
are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person
THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection
of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness,
Roman Catholics believe that initiates receive these
perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described by
seven gifts at Baptism, and that they are strengthened at
Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He
Confirmation so that one can proclaim the truths of the
describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of
faith.
offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a
The seven gifts are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3 and fear of punishment. Also known as knowing God is all
conform to the Latin Vulgate[1], which takes the list powerful. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
from the Septuagint [2]. According to the Catechism of (Prov 1:7) because it puts our mindset in its correct
the Catholic Church[1] and descriptions outlined by St. location with respect to God: we are the finite,
Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica, [2] the dependent creatures, and He is the infinite, all-powerful
seven gifts are as follows:  Wisdom: Also,the gift of Creator. Comparisons and correspondences St. Thomas
wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the Aquinas says that four of these gifts (wisdom,
world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, understanding, knowledge, and counsel) direct the
historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives intellect, while the other three gifts (fortitude, piety, and
take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about fear of the Lord) direct the will toward God. In some
the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. respects, the gifts are similar to the virtues, but a key
We see God as our Father and other people with dignity. distinction is that the virtues operate under the impetus
Lastly being able to see God in everyone and everything of human reason (prompted by grace), whereas the gifts
everywhere.  Understanding: In understanding, we operate under the impetus of the Holy Spirit; the former
comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Christ. can be used when one wishes, but the latter operate only
A person with understanding is not confused by all the when the Holy Spirit wishes. In the case of Fortitude, the
conflicting messages in our culture about the right way gift has, in Latin and English, the same name as a virtue,
to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person's which it is related to but from which it must be
speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the distinguished. In Summa Theologica II.II, Thomas
gift whereby selfevident principles are known, Aquinas Aquinas asserts the following correspondences between
writes.[3]  Counsel (Right Judgment): With the gift of the seven Capital Virtues and the seven Gifts of the Holy
counsel/right judgment, we know the difference between Spirit:[4] The gift of wisdom corresponds to the virtue
right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A of charity. The gift of understanding corresponds to the
person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the virtue of faith. The gift of counsel (right judgement)
values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the corresponds to the virtue of prudence. The gift of
person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our courage corresponds to the virtue of fortitude. The gift
Christ the Lord  Fortitude (Courage): With the gift of of knowledge corresponds to the virtue of hope. The gift
fortitude/courage, we overcome our fear and are willing of Reverance corresponds to the virtue of justice. The
to take risks as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with gift of Wonder and Awe corresponds to the virtue of
courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the temperance. The seven gifts were often represented as
sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal doves in medieval texts and especially figure in
abuse, or even physical harm and death. The gift of depictions of the Tree of Jesse which shows the
courage allows people the firmness of mind that is Genealogy of Jesus. In many such depictions the doves
required both in doing good and in enduring evil, encircle a bust of Christ. THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY
especially with regard to goods or evils that are difficult, SPIRIT: THE MANIFESTATION OF SANCTIFYING
just like Joan of Arc did.  Knowledge: With the gift of GRACE By Scott P. Richert
knowledge, we understand the meaning of God. The gift http://catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/tp/Gifts
_of_the_Holy_Spirit.htm The seven gifts of the Holy
of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts. 
Spirit are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. They are present
Piety (Reverence): With the gift of reverence, sometimes
in their fullness in Jesus Christ but are found in all
Christians who are in a state of grace. We receive them mathematical equation, but that we become certain of
when we are infused with sanctifying grace, the life of the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity. Such certitude
God within us—as, for example, when we receive a moves beyond faith, which "merely assents to what God
sacrament worthily. As the current Catechism of the has revealed." Understanding in Practice: Once we
Catholic Church notes, "They complete and perfect the become convinced through understanding of the truths
virtues of those who receive them." Infused with His of the Faith, we can also draw conclusions from those
gifts, we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as truths and arrive at a further understanding of man's
if by instinct, the way Christ Himself would. 1. relation to God and his role in the world. Understanding
WISDOM Wisdom is the first and highest gift of the rises above natural reason, which is concerned only with
Holy Spirit, because it is the perfection of faith. Through the things we can sense in the world around us. Thus,
wisdom, we come to value properly those things which understanding is both speculative—concerned with
we believe through faith. The truths of Christian belief intellectual knowledge—and practical, because it can
are more important than the things of this world, and help us to order the actions of our lives toward our final
wisdom helps us to order our relationship to the created end, which is God. Through understanding, we see the
world properly, loving Creation for the sake of God, world and our life within it in the larger context of the
rather than for its own sake. The First and Highest Gift eternal law and the relation of our souls to God. 3.
of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom is the perfection of faith. As COUNSEL Counsel, the third gift of the Holy Spirit, is
Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., notes in his Modern Catholic the perfection of the cardinal virtue of prudence.
Dictionary, "Where faith is a simple knowledge of the Prudence can be practiced by anyone, but counsel is
articles of Christian belief, wisdom goes on to a certain supernatural. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, we are
divine penetration of the truths themselves." The better able to judge how best to act almost by intuition.
we understand those truths, the more we value them Because of the gift of counsel, Christians need not fear
properly. Thus wisdom, the Catholic Encyclopedia to stand up for the truths of the Faith, because the Holy
notes, "by detaching us from the world, makes us relish Spirit will guide us in defending those truths. The Third
and love only the things of heaven." Through wisdom, Gift of the Holy Spirit: Counsel is the third of the seven
we judge the things of the world in light of the highest gifts of the Holy Spirit enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. All
end of man—the contemplation of God. The Application seven gifts are present in their fullness in Jesus Christ,
of Wisdom: Such detachment, however, is not the same Whom Isaiah foretold (Isaiah 11:1), but they are
as renunciation of the world—far from it. Rather, available to all Christians who are in a state of grace. We
wisdom helps us to love the world properly, as the receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit when we are
creation of God, rather than for its own sake. The infused with sanctifying grace, the life of God within us
material world, though fallen as a result of the sin of — as, for example, when we receive a sacrament
Adam and Eve, is still worthy of our love; we simply worthily. As the current Catechism of the Catholic
need to see it in the proper light, and wisdom allows us Church notes, "They complete and perfect the virtues of
to do so. Knowing the proper ordering of the material those who receive them." The Perfection of Prudence:
and spiritual worlds through wisdom, we can more Counsel is the perfection of the cardinal virtue of
easily bear the burdens of this life and respond to our prudence. While prudence, like all the cardinal virtues,
fellow man with charity and patience. 2. can be practiced by anyone, whether in a state of grace
UNDERSTANDING Understanding is the second gift of or not, it can take on a supernatural dimension through
the Holy Spirit, and people sometimes have a hard time sanctifying grace. Counsel is the fruit of this
understanding (no pun intended) how it differs from supernatural prudence. Like prudence, counsel allows us
wisdom. While wisdom is the desire to contemplate the to judge rightly what we should do in a particular
things of God, understanding allows us grasp, at least in circumstance. It goes beyond prudence, though, in
a limited way, the very essence of the truths of the allowing such judgments to be made promptly, "as by a
Catholic Faith. Through understanding, we gain a sort of supernatural intuition," as Fr. John A. Hardon
certitude about our beliefs that moves beyond faith. The writes in his Modern Catholic Dictionary. Counsel in
Second Gift of the Holy Spirit: Understanding is the Practice: Counsel builds on both wisdom, which allows
second gift of the Holy Spirit, behind only wisdom. It us to judge the things of the world in light of our final
differs from wisdom in that wisdom is the desire to end, and understanding, which helps us to penetrate to
contemplate the things of God, while understanding the very core of the mysteries of our faith. "With the gift
allows us, as Fr. John A. Hardon writes in his Modern of counsel, the Holy Spirit speaks, as it were, to the heart
Catholic Dictionary, to "penetrate to the very core of and in an instant enlightens a person what to do," writes
revealed truths." This doesn't mean that we can come to Father Hardon. It is the gift that allows us as Christians
understand, say, the Trinity the way that we might a to be assured that we will act correctly in times of
trouble and trial. Through counsel, we can speak without us to rise above the basic requirements of Christianity.
fear in defense of the Christian Faith. Thus, the Catholic The saints, in their love for God and their fellow man
Encyclopedia notes, counsel "enables us to see and and their determination to do what is right, exhibit
choose correctly what will help most to the glory of God fortitude as a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit, and not
and our own salvation." 4. FORTITUDE While counsel merely as a cardinal virtue. 5. KNOWLEDGE The fifth
is the perfection of a cardinal virtue, fortitude is both a gift of the Holy Spirit, knowledge, is often confused
gift of the Holy Spirit and a cardinal virtue. Fortitude is with both wisdom and understanding. Like wisdom,
ranked as the fourth gift of the Holy Spirit because it knowledge is the perfection of faith, but whereas
gives us the strength to follow through on the actions wisdom gives us the desire to judge all things according
suggested by the gift of counsel. While fortitude is to the truths of the Catholic Faith, knowledge is the
sometimes called courage, it goes beyond what we actual ability to do so. Like counsel, it is aimed at our
normally think of as courage. Fortitude is the virtue of actions in this life. In a limited way, knowledge allows
the martyrs that allows them to suffer death rather than us to see the circumstances of our life the way that God
to renounce the Christian Faith. One of the Four sees them. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, we can
Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude is one of the four cardinal determine God's purpose for our lives and live them
virtues. As such, it can be practiced by anyone, since, accordingly. The Perfection of Faith: Like wisdom,
unlike the theological virtues, the cardinal virtues are knowledge perfects the theological virtue of faith. The
not, in themselves, the gifts of God through grace but the aims of knowledge and wisdom are different, however.
outgrowth of habit. Fortitude is commonly called Whereas wisdom helps us to penetrate divine truth and
courage, but it is different from what much of what we prepares us to judge all things according to that truth,
think of as courage today. Fortitude is always reasoned knowledge gives us that ability to judge. As Fr. John A.
and reasonable; the person exercising fortitude is willing Hardon, S.J., writes in his Modern Catholic Dictionary,
to put himself in danger if necessary, but he does not "The object of this gift is the whole spectrum of created
seek danger for danger's sake. The Third of the Cardinal things insofar as they lead one to God." The Application
Virtues: St. Thomas Aquinas ranked fortitude as the of Knowledge: Knowledge allows us to see the
third of the cardinal virtues, because it serves prudence circumstances of our life as God sees them, albeit in a
and justice, the higher virtues. Fortitude is the virtue that more limited way, since we are limited by our human
allows us to overcome fear and to remain steady in our nature. Through the exercise of knowledge, we can
will in the face of obstacles. Prudence and justice are the ascertain God's purpose in our lives and His reason for
virtues through which we decide what needs to be done; placing us in our particular circumstances. As Father
fortitude gives us the strength to do it. What Fortitude Is Hardon notes, knowledge is sometimes called "the
Not: Fortitude is not foolhardiness or rashness, "rushing science of the saints," because "it enables those who
in where angels fear to tread." Indeed, part of the virtue have the gift to discern easily and effectively between
of fortitude, as Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., notes in his the impulses of temptation and the inspirations of
Modern Catholic Dictionary, is the "curbing of grace." Judging all things in the light of divine truth, we
recklessness." Putting our bodies or lives in danger when can more easily distinguish between the promptings of
it is not necessary is not fortitude but foolishness. A Gift God and the subtle wiles of the devil. 6. PIETY Piety,
of the Holy Spirit: Sometimes, however, the ultimate the sixth gift of the Holy Spirit, is the perfection of the
sacrifice is necessary, in order to stand up for what is virtue of religion. While we tend to think of religion
right and to save our souls. Fortitude is the virtue of the today as the external elements of our faith, it really
martyrs, who are willing to give their lives rather than to means the willingness to worship and to serve God.
renounce their faith. That sacrifice may be passive— Piety takes that willingness beyond a sense of duty, so
Christian martyrs do not actively seek martyrdom—but that we desire to worship God and to serve Him out of
it is nonetheless determined and resolute. It is in love, the way that we desire to honor our parents and do
martyrdom that we see the best example of fortitude what they wish. The Perfection of Religion: Perhaps in
rising above a mere cardinal virtue (able to be practiced none of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is this instinctual
by anyone) into a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit. response more obvious than in piety. While wisdom and
But it also shows itself, as the Catholic Encyclopedia knowledge perfect the theological virtue of faith, piety
notes, "in moral courage against the evil spirit of the perfects religion, which, as Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.,
times, against improper fashions, against human respect, notes in his Modern Catholic Dictionary, is "The moral
against the common tendency to seek at least the virtue by which a person is disposed to render to God
comfortable, if not the voluptuous." Fortitude, as a gift the worship and service he deserves." Far from being a
of the Holy Spirit, also allows us to cope with poverty drudgery, worship should be an act of love, and piety is
and loss, and to cultivate the Christian virtues that allow the instinctive affection for God that makes us desire to
render worship to Him, just as we voluntarily honor our Sacramentary) At Confirmation, we learn the
parents. Piety in Practice: Piety, Father Hardon notes, implications of this new life in the Holy Spirit: All
arises "not so much from a studied effort or acquired powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water
habit as from a supernatural communication conferred and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters
by the Holy Spirit." People sometimes say that "piety from sin And gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit
demands it," which usually means that they feel upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the
compelled to do something that they don't want to do. spirit of [1] wisdom and [2] understanding, the spirit of
But true piety makes no such demands but instills in us a [3] right judgment and [4] courage, the spirit of [5]
desire always to do that which is pleasing to God (and, knowledge and [6] reverence. Fill them with the spirit of
by extension, that which is pleasing to those who serve [7] wonder and awe in your presence. (Rite of
God in their own lives). 7. FEAR OF THE LORD The Confirmation) This prayer names the traditional "Seven
seventh and final gift of the Holy Spirit is the fear of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit." The biblical origin of these
Lord, and perhaps no other gift of the Holy Spirit is so seven gifts is found in Isaiah (11:1-3) where he is
misunderstood. We think of fear and hope as opposites, foretelling the qualities of the Messiah. But a shoot shall
but the fear of the Lord confirms the theological virtue sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud
of hope. This gift of the Holy Spirit gives us the desire shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:
not to offend God, as well as the certainty that God will a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of
supply us the grace that we need in order to keep from counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear
offending Him. Our desire not to offend God is more of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the
than simply a sense of duty; like piety, the fear of the LORD. These seven gifts are the signs that the Messiah
Lord arises out of love. Confirming the Virtue of Hope: will be guided by the Spirit. The relation of these gifts to
The gift of the fear of the Lord, Fr. John A. Hardon the sacrament of Confirmation becomes clear when we
notes in his Modern Catholic Dictionary, confirms the remember that the word "Messiah" (Christos in Greek)
virtue of hope. We often think of hope and fear as means "anointed." Jesus was "anointed," filled with the
mutually exclusive, but the fear of the Lord is the desire Holy Spirit at his baptism. At Confirmation we are
not to offend Him, and the certainty that He will give us anointed with the Holy Spirit. Throughout the Gospels
the grace necessary to keep from doing so. It is that we see how these seven gifts form Jesus' personality.
certainty that gives us hope. The fear of the Lord is like They are characteristic of his activity. Consider the
the respect we have for our parents. We do not wish to wisdom expressed in his parables; his understanding of
offend them, but we also do not live in fear of them, in the poor and the sick; his right judgment when tested by
the sense of being frightened. What the Fear of the Lord the Pharisees; his courage to continue the journey to
Is Not: In the same way, Father Hardon notes, "The fear Jerusalem where he surmised what fate awaited him; his
of the Lord is not servile but filial." In other words, it is knowledge of God's will; his reverence for his heavenly
not a fear of punishment, but a desire not to offend God Father; his awe before the wonders of creation—the
that parallels our desire not to offend our parents. Even lilies of the field, the birds of the air....The seven gifts of
so, many people misunderstand the fear of the Lord. the Holy Spirit are the manifestation of the Divine
Recalling the verse that "The fear of the Lord is the Power active in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In Baptism,
beginning of wisdom," they think that the fear of the our sins are washed away and we come up from the
Lord is something that is good to have when you first water bath to be clothed in a new garment. Putting on
start out as a Christian, but that you should grow beyond the baptismal garment is a visible symbol of the
it. That is not the case; rather, the fear of the Lord is the invisible reality of "putting on Christ." When we are
beginning of wisdom because it is one of the anointed with oil in Confirmation, it is a visible symbol
foundations of our religious life, just as the desire to do of the invisible reality of being anointed with the Spirit,
what our parents wish us to do should remain with us being "Christ-ed" or "messiahed." We put on Christ, and
our entire lives. CONFIRMATION AND THE HOLY the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit become our gifts. We
SPIRIT by Rev. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D. pray that the qualities of the Messiah take root in us and
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/MM/ap08 become our qualities so that we may become signs of
98.asp At Baptism, we hear of the role of the Holy Spirit God's presence in the world. At the actual anointing
in the prayer over the baptismal water: Father, look now during Confirmation we hear the words: "(Name), be
with love on your Church, and unseal for her the sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here the gift
fountain of baptism. By the power of the Spirit give to referred to is the Holy Spirit himself. We are sealed with
the water of this font the grace of your Son... cleanse the gift of (that is, the gift which is) the Holy Spirit. The
[those to be baptized] from sin in a new birth of Holy Spirit is God's "first gift to those who believe"
innocence by water and the Spirit. (Roman (Eucharistic Prayer IV).
 the early followers of Jesus to speak of the good news
came from knowing that the Holy Spirit is with them
guiding and telling them what to say and do. The Holy
Spirit gives life and empowers the Church (CBCP 1997
[CFC # 1265]). In the midst of harassment, persecution
and threats, the early disciples braved the dangerous
conditions and continued their mission to the point that
many paid the ultimate price with their lives. This is
shown in the mission and deaths of Jesus’ apostles that
you were asked to watch earlier. In the mission of the
GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, JOURNEYS WITH HIS church today, you also expect that some will believe,
PEOPLE IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN others will doubt, and still others will mock us. But we
COMMUNITY continue on. This was the life and work of the Church to
The Coming of the Spirit When the time for Pentecost bring the Good news to the world in accordance with
was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And Jesus' command. That same day also, the baptism of fire
suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong announced by John the Baptist was realized. The
driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they sending of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost led to the
were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, establishment of the Church. The Spirit comes to give
which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And life to the Church. It also comes to confirm or affirm the
they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to believers. The baptism of fire that the apostles received
speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to on the day of the Pentecost is normally conferred to us
proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Sacrament
nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, of Confirmation prepares you spiritually to a life of
they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused service in your respective communities. It is therefore
because each one heard them speaking in his own important to discern where and how the spirit works in
language. They were astounded, and in amazement they you personally, between you and others and your
asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking community as a whole (CFC # 1272). While it is not
Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his easy to discern the presence of the spirit, you can look at
own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and how the spirit is moving you in terms of how you are led
Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and not to yourselves but to God (CFC # 1276) instead of
Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, working on your own fame. When you become
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as professionals after college, your spiritual life serves as a
travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to wellspring of strength and support to keep you dedicated
Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in your endeavors. Through the spiritual gifts you
in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” They receive in Confirmation, you receive support and
were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one guidance in your decisions and actions before others.
another, “What does this mean?” But others said, The spiritual gifts allow you to discern properly when
scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.” (Acts 2: making decisions, be firm in those decisions when you
1- 13) Since the death of Jesus, His followers went are facing challenges and live as sincere witness of
“underground” in fear. Persecutions against Christians God’s love. CHURCH TEACHING The sixteen (16)
were prevalent and efforts to continue the mission were documents of Vatican II were produced as our guide in
held back with much anxiety. The Pentecost experience, our life of faith. Many documents of the Church
also known as the descent of the Holy Spirit, has given emphasize the central role of the Holy Spirit in the life
the followers of Jesus renewed strength and inspiration of the Church. The Spirit guides the Church, unifies her,
to continue Jesus’ mission. The Pentecost experience builds her up and dwells in her. In various ways, the
transformed the apostles “from simple followers of Jesus Spirit is manifested in the life of the Church through
into spiritual leaders of the new Christian community” different charisms and gifts empowering each one. It is
(Valone 1993, p. 801). The text says, "they began to the Holy Spirit who brings to perfection the work of
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave utterance to Jesus he began in the Church. The Spirit provides
them" (Acts 2:4). This ability to speak in another guidance and constantly sanctifies Christians. Among
language (termed as “Glossolalia”) opened the Apostle’s others, the following documents affirm these insights:
minds to the will of God now poured through the Holy The fourth paragraph of Lumen Gentium posits that the
Spirit (Williams 2011). This means that the courage of Spirit guides the Church in the way of all truth (cf. Jn.
16, 13). He unifies the Church in communion and in
works of ministry. The Spirit both equips and directs turning point for us to work towards transforming our
with hierarchical and charismatic gifts and adorns with wicked ways. So, we acknowledge, and we take time to
His fruits (cf. Eph. 1, 11-12; 1 Cor. 12, 4 Gal. 5, 22). pray and reflect and allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in
The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the our lives. Just like what Ananias told Saul before he
faithful, as in a temple (cf. Cor. 3, 16; 6, 19). And regained his sight, “Brother Saul, The Lord-Jesus, who
paragraph 12 (Lumen Gentium) also states that “the appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-
manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with
profit” (Cf. 1 Thess 5, 12, 19-21). These charisms, the Holy Spirit.” In our Christian mission, therefore, let
whether they be the more outstanding or the simpler and us not ignore the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
widely diffused, are to be received with thanksgiving That no matter how difficult life and the mission gets,
and consolation for they are perfectly suited to and God, the Holy Spirit continues to journey with us. The
useful for the needs of the Church. The Catechism of the mission to continue with the mission of Jesus is never
Catholic Church (2003) furthermore posits: “Grace is easy. We are often confronted with challenges regardless
the first and foremost gift of the Spirit who justifies and of the time. Jesus and the early apostles were faced with
sanctifies us. But grace also includes the gifts that the the actual dangers of death and persecution. And this
Spirit grants us to associate with his work, enabling us to continued on throughout the more than 2000 years of the
collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth Church’s mission. In your time, you may not encounter
of the Body of Christ, the church.” The church in the the same kind of threats as that of the early church but
Philippines came out with two (2) documents namely the you are confronted with modern challenges. Go back to
Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC) and the acts and the points for reflection posted to you while you
Decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the watched the video “Paano Namatay ang mga Apostol ni
Philippines and continues to be revisited in our time to Hesu-Kristo”. The questions were: What challenges do
ensure the changes. Catechism for Filipino Catholics, we encounter in our Christian missions today? Inspired
paragraph 1315, says that the Holy spirit inspires us to and knowing that the Holy Spirit journeys with us, how
live a truly Christian life. Not only does He strengthens do we properly deal with these challenges? In the last 20
us in our struggle against the power of evil, but also years, the Philippines has witnessed the rise of
frees us by His interior transforming presence. When we Pentecostal movements within Christianity (Wiegele,
are troubled, in doubt, or in danger or giving in to 2005; 2006). The birth of various charismatic renewal
temptation, we learn to pray, “May your good spirit communities (Alva 2016) in the grassroots and even in
guide me on level ground”. The Second Plenary Council cities within the Pentecostal movement is attributed to
of the Philippines, paragraph 214, says that it is the Holy the rising desire to cultivate a deeper relationship with
Spirit who continues and brings the work of Christ to God. The Philippine church notes that the charismatic
perfection. It is the Holy Spirit who impels each movement has encouraged lukewarm Christians to a
individual to proclaim the Gospel, and it is He who, in renewed desire for God (CFC # 1270). The word
the depths of conscience causes the word of salvation to “charismatic” implies being spirit-filled. Even among
be accepted and understood. He will ensure continuity professionals and high-profile personalities some
and identity of understanding in the midst of changing charismatic groups sprouted. The establishment of these
conditions and circumstances. Through the Holy Spirit, communities is inspired either by the desire to find God
the Gospel penetrates the heart of the world. The Holy in the midst of life’s challenges to reform one’s life.
Spirit continues to journey with the early church in her Many seek God’s consolation and assurance in the midst
mission, giving her strength when faced with challenges, of suffering and uncertainty, in the midst of poverty.
inspiration when she begins to lose hope, and Charismatic community life is primarily motivated by
sanctifying her constantly so she remains steadfast and the outpouring of God’s love and bestowal of the
faithful to the mission entrusted to her. And with the spiritual gifts on the day of Pentecost (Albrecht, 1992).
Holy Spirit, the Church continues to grow. The Holy Membership in these communities take place through a
Spirit is also instrumental in the conversion of the heart form of spiritual baptism in the Holy Spirit. This ritual
as portrayed in the life of Saul who was later renamed of spiritual baptism is not sacramental in nature. It is
Paul after his conversion (see Acts 9:1-9, NABRE). In carried out after a Christian life Program seminar which
the process of conversion, just like the different is conducted during the weekend (usually on 12- 13
relationships we have in our time, we go through Saturdays) (Couples for Christ 2021). Through this
different stages. Sometimes, we even go through denial spiritual ritual, the member is initiated into the presence
or defiance because we are unable to accept that what and activity of the Holy Spirit manifested in various
we do is wrong. But there is often an occurrence, an gifts which include: wisdom, understanding, counsel,
experience or a kind of an encounter that serves as a fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These
gifts are essential for the proper conduct of life since
these are useful for decision making, discernment and
service. It can be said that the reception of the spiritual
gifts by the community members today reflects the
original experience of the apostles when they received
the gifts of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The day of
Pentecost recalls the time when the early church was
empowered to be witnesses of Christ. When they
received the gifts, they were able to perform activities
which they were not used to doing before such as
speaking in various languages and performing healing
upon the sick members. More than performing these
personal functions, the infusion of the spiritual gifts also
empowered individuals to build communities since
every spiritual gift is given to support one another and
promote solidarity in charity. From the experiences of
the early church, the Pentecost experience served to
strengthen communal life and service. The early
Christian community lived in fellowship with one
another and shared things with those in need (See Acts
2:42-47).