By Erin McGeever
Pentecost isn’t just another day on the Church calendar — it’s the bold, fiery celebration of the Holy Spirit’s arrival and the birth of the Church. Always observed 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus, Pentecost shifts each year depending on the date of Easter, falling between May 10 and June 13. This year, it will be celebrated on June 8.
The name “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word pentecoste, meaning “fiftieth.” In the Jewish tradition, a parallel feast called Shavu’ot or the Festival of Weeks, falls 50 days after Passover.
For Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, Mary and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered in the Upper Room. This event is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church.”
Scripture tells us that a “strong, driving” wind filled the room, and tongues of fire rested on the heads of those gathered, enabling them to speak in different languages and understand one another. The Holy Spirit also gave them the gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill their mission — to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations.
In Luke 24:46-49, Jesus promised the Apostles they would be “clothed with power from on high.” Pentecost is the fulfillment of that promise. As confirmed Catholics, we too receive this power from the Holy Spirit. Pentecost reminds us of our commission to share the Gospel and compels us, by the Spirit’s gift, to do so.
“Knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindle faith in us.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 683
Erin McGeever is the director of Christian Formation for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
