Pentecost petals
The Pantheon, dedicated in 126 A.D. as the home of ancient Roman gods, is now a Catholic basilica. In a tradition dating back to the seventh century, on Pentecost Sunday thousands of rose petals are dropped through the roof’s opening onto worshipers below. The red petals symbolize the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus’ disciples, as well as the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
To accomplish this “rose rain,” five firefighters climb to the roof after mass. While the choir sings the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come Creator Spirit”), firefighters empty seven bags of petals through the building’s 27-foot-wide oculus, or eye in the sky.
Only a fortunate few can witness this spectacular event in person each year, but videos are available online.
Thanks, Mom!
At his graduation, a young man tasked with giving a speech began reading from some notes. “I want to talk about my mother and the wonderful influence she had on my life,” he said. “She’s a shining example of parenthood, and I love her more than words can ever do justice.”
The graduate then paused, appeared to struggle a moment and looked up at the audience with a mischievous smile. “It’s really hard to read my mom’s handwriting,” he said.Pentecost petals
The Pantheon, dedicated in 126 A.D. as the home of ancient Roman gods, is now a Catholic basilica. In a tradition dating back to the seventh century, on Pentecost Sunday thousands of rose petals are dropped through the roof’s opening onto worshipers below. The red petals symbolize the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus’ disciples, as well as the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
To accomplish this “rose rain,” five firefighters climb to the roof after mass. While the choir sings the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come Creator Spirit”), firefighters empty seven bags of petals through the building’s 27-foot-wide oculus, or eye in the sky.
Only a fortunate few can witness this spectacular event in person each year, but videos are available online.
Thanks, Mom!
At his graduation, a young man tasked with giving a speech began reading from some notes. “I want to talk about my mother and the wonderful influence she had on my life,” he said. “She’s a shining example of parenthood, and I love her more than words can ever do justice.”
The graduate then paused, appeared to struggle a moment and looked up at the audience with a mischievous smile. “It’s really hard to read my mom’s handwriting,” he said.Pentecost petals
The Pantheon, dedicated in 126 A.D. as the home of ancient Roman gods, is now a Catholic basilica. In a tradition dating back to the seventh century, on Pentecost Sunday thousands of rose petals are dropped through the roof’s opening onto worshipers below. The red petals symbolize the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus’ disciples, as well as the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
To accomplish this “rose rain,” five firefighters climb to the roof after mass. While the choir sings the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come Creator Spirit”), firefighters empty seven bags of petals through the building’s 27-foot-wide oculus, or eye in the sky.
Only a fortunate few can witness this spectacular event in person each year, but videos are available online.
Thanks, Mom!
At his graduation, a young man tasked with giving a speech began reading from some notes. “I want to talk about my mother and the wonderful influence she had on my life,” he said. “She’s a shining example of parenthood, and I love her more than words can ever do justice.”
The graduate then paused, appeared to struggle a moment and looked up at the audience with a mischievous smile. “It’s really hard to read my mom’s handwriting,” he said.
