Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday, celebrated fifty days after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles as described in Acts 2:1–13. After Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension, the Apostles gathered in prayer in Jerusalem, waiting for the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that they would receive power from on high. Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, enabling the diverse crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks to hear the message of Christ in their own native tongues. What followed was Peter’s bold proclamation of the Gospel — a striking transformation from the disciple who had once denied Jesus — and the baptism of about 3,000 people that day. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church,” marking the beginning of its public mission and celebrating the Spirit’s power to unite, renew, and send believers forth in faith.