Pentecost Sunday is a solemn feast day in our liturgical calendar that marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Blessed Mother. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, which makes it 50 days after Easter Sunday – hence the name “Pentecost,” from the Greek Pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth.”
Pentecost is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church” because it’s considered the moment when the apostles were empowered to go out and preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages (tongues), symbolizing the spread of the Christian message to all nations.
Liturgical Traditions:
Red vestments and decorations are common, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Many churches hold baptisms and confirmations on Pentecost.
