Pentecost
No fixed feast day in the calendar
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The Holy Spirit comes like tongues of fire on the Apostles and Mary; the Church goes out to preach
What is this feast?
Pentecost celebrates the day the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles, just as Jesus had promised before he went up to heaven. This feast closes the Easter season. That day is also called the “birthday” of the Church, because from then on the Apostles began to proclaim the Gospel to everyone.
The story
After Jesus went up to heaven, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. “All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14).
On the day of Pentecost, a great Jewish feast, they were all gathered in one place. Suddenly a noise like a strong driving wind came from the sky and filled the whole house. Tongues like fire came to rest on each one of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:1-4). They began to speak in other languages, and pilgrims from many countries each heard them speaking in their own language (cf. Acts 2:1-11).
Saint Peter, who had once been afraid and denied the Lord, now stood up and preached boldly: Jesus had died and had risen. That day, about three thousand people believed and were baptized (cf. Acts 2:14-41).
The Acts of the Apostles does not mention a dove on that day. Following tradition, artists paint a dove, recalling the day Jesus was baptized, to help us recognize the Holy Spirit.
Why does the Church celebrate it?
Because the Holy Spirit is still with the Church today. He gives life, light and strength to us. Each of us receives the Holy Spirit in Baptism, and in a special way in Confirmation.
A lesson for you
- Before you study or take a test, ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
- Prepare well to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
- Like Saint Peter, don’t be shy about letting your friends know you are a Catholic.
Identifying marks
- A small flame above each person’s head: tongues like fire came to rest on each one of them (cf. Acts 2:3).
- A white dove in the light above: the familiar image of the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk 3:22).
- Mary in the middle, hands joined: she prays with the Apostles, as the mother of the newborn Church.
- Saint Peter on the left, with white hair and beard, a blue-gray robe and an ochre mantle: the head of the Apostles.
- Saint John on the right, young and beardless, in a green robe and a red mantle: the disciple whom the Lord loved.
- The other Apostles faint in the background, each with a flame: the Spirit comes down on all of them.
The text on this page is the card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.
Compiled by i-Catholic · About