By Suzana Fantov
Photos: S.Fantov, archive This article delves into the significance and traditions of Pentecost.
On June 8, Croatian Catholics in Springvale will come together to celebrate Pentecost—known in Croatian as Duhovi—one of the most significant feasts in the Christian calendar.
This holy day marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles in Jerusalem, occurring fifty days after Christ’s resurrection. It is also celebrated as the birthday of the Church. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, began preaching in many languages. This allowed people from all nations to understand and receive baptism.
Pentecost fulfills the promise Jesus made to his apostles—to send them the Holy Spirit. The event is vividly described by St. Luke in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Here, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire. This fire is symbolic: it brings light, warmth, purification, and life-giving energy. The apostles, touched by this divine flame, were transformed. They were moved by an invisible strength that compelled them to witness and preach fearlessly.
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, shares the same divine nature as God the Father and the Son. It is described as the living flame of love between the Father and the Son. This same Spirit is sent to us, to bind us ever closer to God and to one another.
Special Celebration at Croatian Catholic Centre Springvale
To mark this important feast, the Croatian Catholic Centre of the Holy Spirit in Springvale will host a special celebration on Sunday, June 8.
Holy Masses will be held at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM at the church. Following the second Mass, the community is invited to a festive lunch in the parish hall. It will be accompanied by live music from the popular local band “Četiri Kuma”.
Tickets can be purchased at the parish office. There are no reservations. Tickets will not be sold at the door on the day of the celebration.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend and celebrate this joyful day of faith, fellowship, and the Holy Spirit.
For any additional information and updates, you can also follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/duhasvetog