This weekend, our Catholic Church will celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost ending our Easter Season. Celebrated 50 Days after Easter Sunday, Pentecost commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Blessed Mother and the Apostles. Traditionally, Pentecost is known as the Birthday of the Church.
Gathered in seclusion out of fear of the Jews, the Apostles waited for the Advocate whom Jesus promised to send after His ascension into heaven. St. Luke’s account in the Acts of the Apostles states,
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Sprit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” ~Acts of the Apostles
In our Church, we celebrate the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement (Counsel), Courage (Fortitude), Knowledge, Reverence (Piety), and Wonder and Awe (Fear of the Lord). Each gift is bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit and solidified at our Confirmation.
As we prepare for Pentecost, let us pray that our students, parents, faculty and staff, and benefactors rejoice and proclaim Come, Holy Spirit, Come!