Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
Sunday 19 May – Pentecost Sunday
Celebrated 50 days after Easter, Pentecost Sunday celebrates the Holy Spirit descending upon the Apostles, as Jesus said it would. It follows the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus. It marks the beginning of the Catholic Church and St Peter’s role as the first leader of the Church. It was Peter who first preached at Pentecost and asked those present to believe in the power of God’s word, speak boldly about Jesus, and pray for the Holy Spirit.
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2:2-4)
The symbols of Pentecost Sunday are the flame, the wind, and the dove, and the colour associated with this day is red.
On Pentecost Sunday Pope Francis asks people to “open your hearts to the Holy Spirit” and this can be as simple as repeating “Come, Holy Spirit” quietly to yourself. It is a day to remember to live our lives as God asks us to – do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.
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