Crossroads 4 Christ, Frassati New Haven, and YCP Central Connecticut sponsored a Pentecost Vigil Holy Hour & Mass last night at Saint Joseph Church in New Haven. Father Joseph MacNeill led the Holy Hour and was the Master of Ceremonies of the Mass, which was offered by Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, and assisted by Deacon Larry Yergeau. A reception followed in the church hall.
Why a Pentecost Vigil?
The Pentecost Vigil Mass is different from Mass on Pentecost Day. On Pentecost Day, the focus in on celebrating the Holy Spirit who has already come. During the Vigil, the focus is on praying for the Holy Spirit to come. The difference is simple but profound….
For many centuries, the two great vigils of Easter and Pentecost were largely forgotten. Then, in the 20th century, during the pontificate of Pius XII, the Church started celebrating the Easter Vigil again. After Vatican II, the Pentecost Vigil was also restored. It is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered… While the Easter Vigil begins in darkness, the Pentecost Vigil is a feast of light from the very beginning, calling to mind how the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of fire on the apostles at the first Pentecost.
The Pentecost Vigil is a great was to bring together young adults in their 20s and 30s. Parishes and dioceses are warmly encouraged to host Pentecost Vigil Celebrations for the young adults in their midst – for renewal, for community, and for the spiritual solidarity with their peers across the country.
– National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA)
📷 Aaron Joseph
#archdioceseofhartford #bishopbetancourt Bl. Michael McGivney Parish – New Haven, CT #CatholicLifePhotography
