Pentecost — Birth of the Church

Pentecost marks the definitive birth of the Church. Following Christ's Ascension, the Apostles and Mary were gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, praying. Suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested upon them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, allowing the diverse crowds in Jerusalem to hear the Gospel in their native tongues. St. Peter delivered his first powerful sermon, resulting in the baptism of 3,000 people. This day fulfilled Christ's promise to send the Advocate and empowered the Apostles to begin their worldwide mission of evangelization.