The Holy Spirit and the Feast of Pentecost

The Holy Spirit was imparted to the Church and its members in a spectacular way on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The disciples gathered in an upper room, prayed in one spirit with one intention, and were determined to receive the promise of the Lord. Suddenly, a sound from heaven like a mighty wind blowing filled the whole house where they were sitting, and tongues of fire settled on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other recognizable languages as the Spirit gave them to speak. This event marked the beginning of the life of the Church, its evangelizing work through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel's spread to all nations. The baptism of the Holy Spirit does not necessarily have to be characterized by tongues, but it can manifest in other ways. Read more...