Pilgrimage and Pentecost

During this time of year, the powerful story of Pentecost stirs deeply within my heart, as I visit parishes across our vast archdiocese to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

In the past few months, I've journeyed from Prince of Peace in Altus to Saint Francis of Assisi in Newkirk, from Holy Cross in Madill to Saint Peter in Guymon, and dozens of parishes in between celebrating Confirmations.

Central to each of these celebrations is the recounting of Pentecost – the moment when, 50 days after Easter, the Holy Spirit dramatically transformed the disciples of Jesus.

Locked in fear within the Upper Room after the Ascension, the apostles received the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ to empower and free them for mission. 

This Spirit, rushing upon them like the strong winds familiar to us here in Oklahoma, propelled them outward to proclaim the Good News to the ends of the Earth. Similarly, I have been sent to every corner of this archdiocese, calling forth spiritual renewal and commissioning new missionary disciples who bear the image of Christ through the gift and anointing of the Holy Spirit. This responsibility, rooted deeply in the Paschal Mystery, is an immense and profound privilege.

This pattern of renewal and growth in the Church reflects the broader vision articulated in my 2019 pastoral letter, “Go Make Disciples!”

“Since my installation as archbishop … I have not ceased praying for a new Pentecost leading to a New Evangelization in Oklahoma.” 

Indeed, we witness vibrant fruits of this outpouring.

The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine has welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims, becoming a significant source of grace. 

Our enthusiastic participation in the National Eucharistic Revival has significantly deepened Eucharistic devotion among the faithful, young and old. 

Flourishing spiritual movements and formative events – such as Cursillo, the Discipleship Conference, Together in Holiness and Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil – are clear evidence of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. 

Our sacramental life is thriving, and our priests continue to be dedicated shepherds, leading the flock each day with care to deepen their relationship with God. Truly, the Spirit is alive and actively renewing our Church!

Yet, our daily prayer remains, “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the Earth.” The Christian journey calls us not to a sprint but to embrace the lifelong pilgrimage of faith. We reflect on this image as we continue to celebrate the Jubilee Year as “pilgrims of hope.”

Having walked several pilgrimages over the years, particularly the Camino de Santiago in Spain, I know firsthand how such a pilgrimage demands a daily renewal: each morning brings a fresh start, strengthened and guided anew by the Spirit. Even upon reaching Santiago, the pilgrimage of life must go on. 

As we approach Pentecost Sunday, I warmly invite each of you to join me in praying fervently for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our archdiocese. 

I also am hopeful and confident that the Holy Spirit will bring forth a profound renewal of the universal Church through the newly inaugurated pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, bearing abundant spiritual fruits. Pope Leo already has encouraged us boldly, urging evangelization even “in settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power or pleasure” (Mass with the College of Cardinals, May 9, 2025).

We have no better local example of this missionary zeal than Blessed Stanley Rother. It is my fervent prayer that Pope Leo, himself a missionary priest, will take particular interest in Blessed Stanley’s cause. I pray that God wills that a miracle will be approved, leading to his canonization during this pontificate. Blessed Stanley has been a remarkable intercessor and role model in my priestly ministry; I deeply desire that his inspiring story continues to touch many hearts.

May we always remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit along our life’s pilgrimage, ever striving to become instruments of the Gospel. Indeed, God wills a vibrant, Spirit-filled Church for Oklahoma!

“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the Earth.”