Pentecost Blessings

 

Come Holy Spirit! 

Today, 50 Days after Easter and 10 days after Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Holy Spirit descends on the Virgin Mary and the Apostles. Mary and the Apostles prayed for Nine Days, marking the first Novena, fulfilling Jesus’ command to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit came, He further sanctifies the Apostles and fills once more the soul  of the Virgin Mary, His Spouse. Today is the birthday of the Church and it is a great day of Christian unity where we remember the great gift of the Holy Spirit given to us after Jesus promised to do so. We rejoice in the liberating power of the Holy Spirit and as we are “enkindled with the fire of His love” we rejoice and recall the unity amidst diversity from even the earliest days of the Church. Today is a good day to pray the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary .Tomorrow the Catholic Church celebrates Mary, Mother of the Church, recalling Our Lady’s presence at the birth of the Church. Chief customs of today are the wearing of red to recall the tongues of fire at the arrival of the Holy Spirit and in some places rose petals are dropped from “Holy Ghost* holes” in the ceilings of the church to recall the tongues of fire that rested on the heads of those present at Pentecost. Flowers that recall the Holy Spirit such as the columbine flower that looks like a dove are often picked today. Today is a good day to pray a prayer of consecration to the Holy Spirit and to give thanks to God for and to renew the promises of Confirmation.  

A plenary indulgence can be gained under the usual conditions** today by praying the Pentecost Sequence in Church.

*Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit or interchangeable although Holy Spirit is more modern due to the common connotation connected with the word ghost. 

**Detachment from sin, Confession, Communion and the Apostle’s Creed and Our Father for the Pope. Communion should be received the day of the desired indulgence but Confession can be several days before.

Today’s Liturgical color is red to celebrate the tongues of fire that rested upon the Apostles and Our Lady as the Holy Spirit descended. Today is a day where more than any other feast the tradition of wearing the liturgical color is practiced by the faithful, therefore don your red to celebrate Pentecost! 

As the Spirit of God renews the face of the earth we cherish all creation as He inspires us to live in peace and harmony. Therefore we should refuse the usage of animal products as all creatures are loved by God. We remember the Holy Spirit “moved over the waters” at the moment of Creation when we love all that lives and breathes. (Genesis 1:2)

 Pentecost Simplified

 Pentecost Symbols 

Pentecost Customs

The Catechism on the Holy Spirit 

The Catechism on Confirmation 

Pentecost relates greatly to the Sacrament of Confirmation as it is when the Holy Spirit descends to seal the baptismal vows of the Confirmed. For those who are to be Confirmed do not take this lightly or see it as “graduation” but the reception of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide you. Take seriously your selection in Sponsor and Patron Saint. Grow close to your Saint and ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and lead you and to recognize the importance of this once in a lifetime event. Offer all that you do in preparation through the Passion of Jesus. -Adapted from Catholic Link

Pentecost with St. Gertrude (p. 414)

The Holy Spirit in Art 

Pentecost in Art 

The Cenacle Where Pentecost Occurred  

Visionaries and Pentecost (Ch 16)

Pentecost For Kids

Pentecost Movie Clip

 Pentecost Customs 

 In some places, to climb a hill early on Pentecost morning to pray is called "Catching the Holy Ghost"and any prayers at sunrise are especially powerful on this day. The fresh fallen dew has curative powers and thus should be walked on barefoot, sometimes Bread is wiped on this dew and fed to the animals to protect them against illness. This dew recalls the descent of the Holy Spirit and is also a nod to the Pentecost sequence that says “on our dryness pour your dew.” Some cultures fly kites today to recall the winds of Pentecost that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit.

In Germany, loud noises are made to scare off evil spirits.  

In Sweden, a Whitsun Bride is crowned, this tradition is similar to a May Queen and comes from the alternative word for Pentecost, White Sunday.

Pinkster Sunday (From the Dutch word for Pentecost)

Whitsuntide in Ireland

 

  

 (Note: Your intention will be granted according to God's Will).

  

Note: Today you can wipe away the Epiphany chalk blessing.

On Pentecost in 2025  I give thanks to God for the grace of Baptism as I celebrate the 28th anniversary of my Baptism and my reception of the Holy Spirit. In a special way I recall Jesus before His Ascension giving us the command to baptize all nations in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! 


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