Amid the rush of hurried crowds, a group of Catholics chose to celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost by bringing the living presence of the Holy Spirit to one of the world’s most iconic and bustling locations: Times Square in New York City.
Inspired by Saint Paul’s example in Athens, where he boldly preached the truth in the public square, members of the “Fire of God” Catholic community and parishioners from Saint Pancras Church came together on June 7, 2025, to proclaim the Gospel.
With praise, hymns, and heartfelt conversations, the group transformed a space typically known for consumerism and noise into a genuine place of prayer. Surrounded by tourists, the homeless, street performers, and passersby, they shared the Good News with anyone willing to listen.
Some stopped to join in prayer. Others were indifferent—or even dismissive. But in one way or another, everyone present was touched by the word of God.
Juan Camilo Pérez, Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister at Saint Pancras Parish in Queens and leader of the Fire of God community, told ChurchPOP that evangelizing in the streets is a powerful way to reach more souls. He said the same principle applies to social media.
“As a 'Catholic influencer' with a social media presence and a strong desire to evangelize a world still filled with pagan idols—much like the one Saint Paul faced—I feel called to use today’s digital platforms to share the Gospel,” he explained.
Their digital mission, which complements their pastoral service, finds inspiration in figures such as Blessed Carlo Acutis, who saw the internet as an effective tool for bringing Christ to young people.
In addition to his parish work, Juan Camilo also volunteers with the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication. This year, he was invited to serve as a judge for the Catholic Music Awards, organized by the Ramón Pané Foundation—an initiative that honors and promotes artistic talent in service of the Gospel.
The Pentecost Vigil in Times Square was far more than a symbolic act. It was a tangible sign that the Church is alive, that the Holy Spirit is still at work, and that today’s disciples are ready to go, just as Pope Francis urged—to the margins, even the digital ones, to proclaim to the world that Christ is risen.
“The Pentecost Vigil in Times Square and the social media presence as a Digital Missionary serve as clear indications that the Holy Spirit, bestowed at the first Pentecost, remains active and continues to compel the Church to proclaim the Good News to all nations through ever-evolving media.”