Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The solemnity of Pentecost marks the conclusion of the 50-day-long Easter season and is often referred to as the "birthday of the church." This celebration commemorates the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles.

"Jesus had told them, 'Go and make disciples of all nations,'" Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre stated during this year's Pentecost Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption. "For these untrained men ... it must have seemed like an impossible task," he added.

Archbishop Fabre expressed that he sometimes relates to how he imagines the apostles felt: "Things can seem daunting," he said, acknowledging that it is easy to question how Jesus could ask such a significant task.

The archbishop explained that what propelled the Apostles was the descent of the Holy Spirit. "All that the Apostles did was open themselves to receive the grace and power of the Holy Spirit," he noted. "The Spirit drove them to do what they needed to do when they did not know how to do what they needed to do."

This year's Pentecost celebration involved a collaborative effort from both the Office of Multicultural Ministry and the Office of Worship. Before Mass commenced, liturgical dancers performed for those in attendance, accompanied by a quartet of African drummers who played music and sang.

The readings and responses incorporated multiple languages, including Malayalam, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and French. Despite Catholics hailing from diverse cultures and speaking different languages, Archbishop Fabre reminded his listeners that the Holy Spirit created one language of faith.

"We rejoice that God brings one unity from our diversity," he said.

Archbishop Fabre also reflected on Mary and her receptiveness to God's will: "She was open to what God wanted her to do," he said. "What wonderful things Mary did with her simple 'Yes.'"

Mary's presence with the Apostles in the Upper Room during Pentecost serves as an example of what can be achieved when allowing God to take control, according to Archbishop Fabre.

"We cannot do it by relying on our own abilities," he emphasized. However, if trust is placed in God and individuals allow themselves to be His instruments, “radical things can happen,” potentially changing “the world forever.”