Pentecost

When Pentecost day came round, they had all met together, when suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind which filled the entire house in which they were sitting, and there appeared to them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves." * (Acts 2: 1-4)

The Traditional site of The Pentecost is the Cenacle (the Coenaculum, the Upper Room) on Mount Zion. This is the site where Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples. This is where, as the Christian tradition states the disciples used to gather and where the Holy Spirit descended upon them. From this place the first Christian Bishops ruled the early church of Jerusalem. Here most the Sacraments were instituted. The Cenacle is considered to be "the Mother of All Churches". The present day Cenacle is a on the upper floor of a medieval complex that houses the Tomb of King David on the lower level.

Across from it is the impressive Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion. This marvelous church is a landmark of the city of Jerusalem, and is the site where according to early Christian tradition; the Virgin Mary fell into 'eternal sleep'. In the crypt of the church lies a recumbent statue of the Virgin asleep, and the rotunda above is notable for its glorious mosaic.

Given the rich history and spiritual significance of the events that took place on Mount Zion, it is no wonder that it has been a popular and important Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. Pentecost and its strong connection to Mount Zion make this the perfect time for you to embark on your pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

*NJB