Indore: Pentecost, also called Whitsunday and a major festival of Christians, was celebrated in most churches on Sunday. The major gatherings were seen in St Joseph Church, Nanda Nagar, and Red Church. Pentecost comes from Greek word pentecost? meaning ‘50th day. As the name suggests, the festival falls on the 50th day of Easter, generally 7th Sunday after Easter. It commemorates the descent of Holy Spirit on apostles and other disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ (cited from Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2), and it marks the beginning of Christian church’s mission in the world. Celebrating the day, community members joined the special prayers and holy mass in the morning and evening in churches.
Singing hymns and invoking Holy Spirit
Addressing on the occasion, Father Thomas Rajamanikam said, “It is an important day when we can invite the Holy Spirit to bless us and become a part of our life through our prayers and devotion.” He explained the symbols of Pentecost. “The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, the breath of God and a dove,” Rajamanikam said. A picture of dove was also put up in churches with a message of accepting and welcoming the Holy Spirit.
Father Selvin talked about the love and blessing of Holy Spirit that blesses one and all who seek it. “Our prayers are invitations to the Holy Spirit,” he said. He led the gathering to singing of hymn, ‘Come down O Love Divine’. Sunil Raphael, Josey Varkey and Shoba Kumrawat led singing of other hymns including ‘O Breath of Life, come sweeping through us’, ‘There's a spirit in the air’ and ‘Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me’.
Welcoming newly ordained priest
“Pentecost is the perfect day to welcome newly ordained priests,” Sr Jyoti Tigga said. She welcomed the newly ordained priest in St Joseph Church. “We welcomed the new priests with garlands in welcome ceremony,” she added.
Today is Whit Monday
Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday is the holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost, a moveable feast in the Christian calendar. It is moveable because it is determined by the date of Easter. In the Catholic Church, it is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.
