May 19, 2024, Solemnity of Pentecost, Holy Rosary (Glorious Mysteries)

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. With Christmas and Easter, Pentecost ranks among the great feasts of Christianity. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples, the completion of the work of redemption, and the fullness of grace for the Church and gift of faith for all nations.

Ten days after the resurrection, at nine o’clock in the morning, about a hundred and twenty people were assembled and praying together fervently, the Holy Spirit descended upon them through tongues of fire.

All the great theophanies in Christ’s life occurred during the course of prayer. After His baptism, for instance, when Jesus was praying the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove; likewise, it was during prayer at night that the transfiguration. Surely too, it was while Mary was praying during the Annunciation.

Today, at Mass of the Solemnity of Pentecost, and through prayer, our souls are ready for the advent of the Spirit.

“When the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak.” (Acts 2, 1-4).