Introduction

The word “vigil” comes from the Latin word vigilia, which means “a watching” or “keeping watch.” In the Church, this term designates the day before a prominent feast or solemnity, a day set apart by the Church as a preparation for the greater day that follows it.

The word “Pentecost” has its origins in Greek and it means “fiftieth.” Fifty days after Easter Sunday, we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples.

Because the arrival of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to launch their earthly ministry to make disciples of all nations, Pentecost is also celebrated as the birth of the Church. From that point on, the apostles carried the message of Christ to the whole world. Continue reading “May 18, 2024: Pentecost Vigil (ABC)” →