Pentecost, a Christian holiday observed 49 days after Easter Sunday, commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus' Apostles in Jerusalem during the Feast of Weeks, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. The Catholic Church holds that the Holy Spirit also descended upon Mary, Jesus' mother, simultaneously, according to the Acts of the Apostles.
1910: Premiere of Mahler's Symphony No. 8
Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8, featuring a setting of Maurus' hymn "Veni, Creator Spiritus," premiered in 1910.
1943: Latest Possible Date for Pentecost
In 1943, Pentecost fell on June 13, marking the latest possible date for the holiday.
1949: Composition of Messe de la Pentecôte
Olivier Messiaen composed the organ mass Messe de la Pentecôte in 1949.
1964: Creation of Pentecost Oratorios
In 1964, two Pentecost oratorios were created: Fritz Werner's "Veni, sancte spiritus" and Jani Christou's "Tongues of Fire."
1967: Spring Bank Holiday Replaces Whit Monday in the UK
In 1967, Whit Monday was replaced by the Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May in the United Kingdom.
1969: Composition of Motet for the Day of Pentecost
Richard Hillert composed "Motet for the Day of Pentecost" for choir, vibraphone, and prepared electronic tape in 1969.
1970: Whit Monday as a Public Holiday
Until 1970, Whit Monday, the day after Pentecost, was a public holiday in the United Kingdom.
1971: Last Monday in May as a Bank Holiday
Since 1971, the last Monday in May has been a Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom, replacing Whit Monday.
1973: Early Summer Holiday Replaces Pentecost Monday in Ireland
In 1973, Pentecost Monday was replaced by Early Summer Holiday on the first Monday in June in Ireland.
1993: Composition of Pfingstoratorium
Violeta Dinescu composed "Pfingstoratorium," an oratorio for Pentecost, in 1993.
May 28, 1997: Pope John Paul II Affirms Mary's Special Relationship with the Holy Spirit
On May 28, 1997, during a general audience at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II affirmed Mary's special connection to the Holy Spirit.
December 15, 2004: Swedish National Day Replaces Pentecost Monday
On December 15, 2004, the Swedish government decided to replace Pentecost Monday with Swedish National Day on June 6.
May 3, 2005: Pentecost Monday Reestablished in France
On May 3, 2005, Pentecost Monday was reestablished as a regular holiday in France following reactions to the implementation of the Journée de solidarité envers les personnes âgées.
2008: Pentecost Monday Becomes Public Holiday in Romania
Pentecost Monday became a public holiday in Romania in 2008.
2013: Premiere of "Factus est Repente"
Daniel Elder's a cappella choral piece, "Factus est Repente," premiered in 2013.
2018: Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church
In 2018, Pope Francis designated the Monday after Pentecost each year as the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, acknowledging Mary's presence at Pentecost and her special relationship with the Holy Spirit.
2038: Latest Possible Date for Pentecost
In 2038, Pentecost will again fall on June 13, the latest possible date for the holiday.