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 […]