Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter. It recalls the biblical story of the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus’ disciples, giving them the courage to share the message of Jesus with people from many different backgrounds.
Pentecost is often described as the birthday of the Christian Church. In the biblical account, people from different nations hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. The story highlights the message that the Gospel is for everyone.
For Christians, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence at work in the world and in people’s lives. The Spirit gives faith, strengthens the community and helps Christians live out their calling to love and serve others.
The traditional colour of Pentecost in the church is red, symbolising the fire associated with the Holy Spirit. The festival marks the end of the Easter season and the beginning of the longer period of the church year focused on Christian life and witness.