The Feast of Pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles, marking the beginning of the Church’s public mission in the world. The name “Pentecost” comes from the Greek Pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth," referencing its occurrence fifty days after Christ’s resurrection.
The event is vividly described in the Acts of the Apostles: “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts 2:1–4). This dramatic moment transformed the frightened and uncertain disciples into bold proclaimers of the Gospel, ready to evangelise the world.
Pentecost is more than a historical event—it is the fulfilment of Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit. As Jesus told His disciples before His Ascension, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). At Pentecost, this promise was fulfilled, and the Church was born, equipped for her mission by divine grace.
St. John Paul II, reflecting on the Spirit’s ongoing presence, wrote in Dominum et Vivificantem, “In our own age, then, we are called anew by the ever ancient and ever new faith of the Church, to draw near to the Holy Spirit as the giver of life” (n. 1). The Spirit is not merely a past gift from the ‘golden age’ of the Church, but a living and active presence guiding the Church today, particularly through the Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium.
Liturgically, Pentecost concludes the Easter season and initiates the Church’s mission into the world. It also points to the Sacrament of Confirmation, in which we receive the Holy Spirit to be strengthened in faith and mission. Just as the Apostles went forth after Pentecost to proclaim Christ, every confirmed Catholic is called to bear witness to the Gospel with courage and love.
Pentecost is not only a commemoration but a call—to recognise the Spirit’s ongoing work in the Church and to participate in the mission of evangelisation. It reminds the faithful that the same Spirit who descended upon the Apostles continues to animate the Church today, urging us to bring the Good News of Christ to the world.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let us open our hearts anew to the Holy Spirit, asking for a fresh outpouring of grace. Let us pray, serve, and witness boldly—just as the Apostles did—trusting that the Spirit will guide us to bring Christ’s light to a world in need.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.