This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day after Easter, marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The Solemnity of Pentecost is the second most important day in the Church year, following Easter.

Pentecost is often called “the birthday of the Church” because, on the original Pentecost Sunday, as Lord Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit was poured out. A sound from heaven came, like a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole Upper Room where the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered. Parted tongues appeared to them as fire, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Read more