WE are at the end of seven weeks (49 days) of the Easter season. And we find ourselves on Pentecost (from the Ancient Greek: Πεντηκοστή [ἡμέρα], Pentēkostē [hēmera], "the Fiftieth [day]").
Our greater feasts (solemnities) have vigil celebrations and Pentecost is one of them.
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples as they waited in prayer, at the Lord's instruction (Acts 1:4-5), after he ascended into heaven. Pentecost is also sometimes called "the birthday of the Church."
This feast is an occasion for us to reflect on the presence, power and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the life of each one of us - and on the Spirit's desire that we all be one in the Body of Christ.
I encourage you to prepare for celebrating Pentecost by reading and reflecting on the scriptures for this feast.
