Veni Sancte Spiritus!

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

The photos here of Pope Benedict XVI's arrival at Cologne-Bonn airport (courtesy of AP) are clear indications of the presence of the Holy Spirit, blowing around him! It seems that His Holiness' mozetta often flies in his face (many photos have been taken of this in the past months) but now, even his zuchetto is taking off!

One of the most impressive scenes for me at the funeral of Pope John Paul II was the wind whipping up the red chasubles of the cardinals gathered in St Peter's Piazza as they venerated the altar. That gusty wind was a reminder (said the commentating bishop) of the presence of the Spirit in the Church.

As the Successor of St Peter arrives at Cologne to meet the young people of the Church, we are once again reminded of the presence of the Spirit in the person of the Pope and also of just how playful God can be and the good sense of humour Pope Benedict displays in such situations of 'wardrobe misfunctions'... I rather like this image that the Holy Spirit, present as the wind, manifests such a light, joyful and even 'fun' relationship with the Holy Father!

Veni Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit and lighten upon our Holy Father and the bishops who are gathered around him as they preach, teach and pray, that your Church gathered in Cologne and scattered throughout the nations may be filled with Truth and grace and witness to your Love before all people, a sacrament of Christ's salvation.

Above: Welcome Super Pope!!