It was the first novena of the Church on earth. Saints and penitents, rulers and subjects, were gathered in that one room, whose narrow precincts held the best that earth had of faith, hope, and charity.
At length, on the tenth day, the answer came, suddenly, as a mighty rushing wind. One moment the Spirit hung over the head of Mary, His spouse, then broke upon the heads of all present in cloven tongues of fire.
Twice already -- at her conception and at the Annunciation -- the Holy Ghost had descended on Mary's soul; but this third sanctification was for ourselves as well. At Pentecost the living Church was perfected in truth and grace, and Mary offered to her Son the first fruits of His harvest. The apostles were transformed.
--
Miniature Life of Mary
