Pentecost Sunday – May 24, 2026 – Sr. Rita Heywood, SNDdeN
John 20: 19-23
Women in the Upper Room for the Feast of Pentecost
Was Mary the only woman present? No. Other women in the upper room on the day of Pentecost are mentioned in Acts 1 which recounts the last moments of Jesus on earth. Jesus gave His disciples specific directions. He directed them to return to Jerusalem and wait for the “Promise of the Father.” (Acts 1:4) When they arrived in Jerusalem, the women joined them.
Acts 1:12-14 – Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet which is near Jerusalem, a day’s journey. And when they arrived, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew: Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and with His brothers.
Catholics believe that Mary’s presence In the Upper Room and her role as Mother of the Church are significant. Catholic tradition also interprets this event as evidence that women actively participated in the prayerful preparation for Pentecost alongside their significant others and friends, the apostles/disciples. The Liturgy of the Word today dovetails all of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the same outpouring of Peace and spiritual gifts given to all of the disciples including women in the upper room. Since then countless women throughout the centuries have numbered among all women who faithfully provide public witness that Jesus is indeed risen. They share the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and continue to proclaim Peace with Justice throughout our world. St Julie and Francoise, co-founders of SND de N and all who follow continue this mission centered legacy of the outpouring of the Spirit that exists in 2026: to proclaim the Goodness of God with hearts as wide as the world on several continents. SNDs de N, Associates, Notre Dame Mission Volunteers and many others actively provide educational pathways that are packed with the implementation and guidance of all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As the Liturgy of the Word of Pentecost Sunday proclaims: “Peace be with you”(Jn 19: 21) “Bless the Lord, O Lord, you are great indeed! Send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” (Psalm 104)
John 20: 19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, He showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Meet Sister Rita Heywood, SNDdeN
