PENTECOST / WHIT SUNDAY – Christian (Western Churches)

5 June (Sunday) PENTECOST / WHIT SUNDAY Christian (Western Churches)

Pentecost, named after the Jewish festival when the disciples of Jesus first proclaimed the Gospel after the gift of the Holy Spirit, is seen as the ‘birthday’ of the Church.  Its alternative name comes from the custom of baptizing converts dressed in white.

The Christian holiday of Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day from Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Image: Verona – Apse of Chapel Miniscalchi in Saint Anastasia’s church from year 1506 designed by Angelo di Giovanni with main scene of the Pentecost on January 27, 2013 in Verona, Italy.