Costa Rica - Itinerary for reflection and further study

An itinerary for reflection and further study on the Holy Spirit is proposed this year by the Costa Rican Episcopal Conference with the publication "Preparatory Stage 1998".

The study develops around 12 themes, each of which can be the object of two or three meetings for catechesis within groups, communities, schools, or even in families.

First of all the publication deals with the subject of the Spirit's presence in Creation and in the life of the people of Israel. Then it goes on to his manifestation in the Virgin Mary and in the life of Jesus. Reflecting on the signs and implications of the Spirit's life in the Apostles, it examines the Church's mission and the importance of the sacraments, with special emphasis on Confirmation. The theme of the Spirit, source of hope in the Old and New Testament, as well as in the Church and in the world, introduces one of the greatest challenges of the Third Millennium: Christian unity. It then makes a further study of the discourse on the Spirit's presence in the Church today and it recalls the gifts, charisms and fruits that this presence bestows "wherever and however he wills". The final reflection concerns the significance that should be attributed to the symbols used to portray the Spirit, an opportunity to rebuild his identity through an examination of his various aspects.

So that meetings will be more successful and following last year's positive experience, the short guide for animators that introduces the booklet emphasises the essential points that should be noted. Above all it recommends that each theme should be "celebrated" appropriately, in the sense that the group should have time to declare its belief in what it has discovered, with words and prayers, and to strengthen the spirit of communion that is born between participants. To make this easier some useful suggestions for celebrations are enclosed with the publication.