The Feast of Pentecost is often overlooked as simply a moment in time when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, it goes deeper and carries meaning into the life of the Church.

Origin

In the book of Acts, Pentecost is described as the moment when the Apostles and Mary were gathered in Jerusalem and heard a noise like a driving wind before tongues of fire rested on each of them, filling them with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak boldly, no longer held back by their own fears and worries, and were able to proclaim the Gospel in various languages, even ones they did not know. Thousands converted in that moment and were baptized, joining the Church.

Pentecost occurs 50 days after the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter. The word “pentecost” comes from the Greek word pentēkostē meaning “fiftieth day.” As the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they were empowered to proclaim the Gospel. The Feast of Pentecost is considered the “birthday of the Church” because it marks the beginning of the Church’s public mission.

Fulfilling Promises

This feast fulfills Jesus’ promise to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. He says that He will send the Advocate in the Gospel of John, which was heard in the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Pentecost is not just the private moment of the Apostles and Mary experiencing the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within them, but it is also their public witness of the Gospel for those around them. This witness shows that the Church is for all people. After all, the word “catholic” comes from the Greek word katholikós meaning “universal.”

This special feast also shows us that Christ gives Himself as fulfillment of Passover.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “On the day of Pentecost when the seven weeks of Easter had come to an end, Christ's Passover is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given, and communicated as a divine person: of his fullness, Christ, the Lord, pours out the Spirit in abundance” (CCC #731).

The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or feeling, but He is the third person of the Holy Trinity.

What This Means for Us

The coming of the Holy Spirit is what made the Church possible. As He gave the Apostles courage and grace, they were able to boldly proclaim the Good News, leading to the birth of the Church that continues to stand and spread the Gospel all these years later. Every baptized and confirmed Catholic has received this same Holy Spirit. For each confirmed Catholic, their confirmation is, in a sense, their own personal Pentecost. It is an opportunity for everyone to have zeal to spread the faith.

Mary is a model and image to imitate in this regard. She was present at Pentecost and is an example of openness and docility. Her entire life was a fiat or “yes” to the Lord. She was open to receiving the Holy Spirit just as everyone should strive to be.

Pentecost isn’t just history; the Holy Spirit is present and at work in the Church today.

Ways to Prepare and Celebrate

Pray the novena

• This novena began on Friday, May 15, but the prayers can still be prayed leading up to Pentecost.
• Click here for the novena prayers.

Be sure to attend Mass  

• Pentecost is on a Sunday which is always a Day of Obligation

Pray the Sequence

• This sequence is also known as the Veni, Sancte Spiritus or “Come, Holy Spirit” and is read, chanted, or sung at Mass on Pentecost Sunday. Taking some time to pray with these words beforehand can help us to enter into that portion of the Mass on Sunday.
• Click here to view the sequence.

Go to Confession

• Entering Pentecost with a clean soul allows us to be most receptive to the Holy Spirit.
• To find a time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a parish near you, click here.

Share the faith with someone in your life who needs to hear it

• Allow yourself to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to Courageously Live the Gospel and share the Good News with others.