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Many Catholics are hesitant about speaking in tongues, often seeing it as a strange or exclusive Pentecostal practice. Some believe the apostles simply spoke in known languages on the day of Pentecost, and that the phenomenon no longer applies today. But Scripture tells a deeper story—and it includes Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Mary Was Present on the Day of Pentecost

In Acts 1:14, we read:

“All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

Then in Acts 2:1-4:

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Mary was there. She was part of those who received the Holy Spirit. She too spoke in tongues. If the Mother of Jesus received this gift, why should we, her spiritual children, ignore it?

The Misconception About ‘Known Languages

Some argue the apostles spoke in known human languages—but that’s only half the story. Acts 2:6-8 explains:

“Each one was hearing them speak in his own language... How is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”

Notice: the hearers recognized their languages—not the speakers. The miracle was not that the apostles knew many languages, but that the Spirit spoke through them in ways others understood. This aligns with 1Corinthians14:2:

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”

Tongues are not always meant to be understood by men, but by God.

Why Catholics Should Embrace This Gift

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms the gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC 2003), including tongues. Speaking in tongues is not emotional hype—it is a spiritual weapon. It uplifts, strengthens, and empowers the believer.

Romans 8:26 says:

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

In times of weakness, confusion, or spiritual attack, praying in tongues allows the Spirit to intercede on your behalf.

If Mary Did, Why Not You?

Mary, our model of faith, prayed in tongues on Pentecost. The early Church was born in that atmosphere of supernatural prayer. To experience true spiritual growth and overcome the trials of life, Catholics must embrace the full gifts of the Holy Spirit—including the gift of tongues.

Don’t let tradition rob you of power. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit. Pray, worship, and ask God to fill you anew. If Mary spoke in tongues, so can you.

Read more to get insight. Read more to get insight

Yes the apostles spoke known language and by the way not every Christian has the gift of tongue.
Tongues are actually known languages that can be interpreted not empty gibberish.

Gmone:
Many Catholics are hesitant about speaking in tongues, often seeing it as a strange or exclusive Pentecostal practice.

[Mary Was Present on the Day of Pentecos

She too spoke in tongues.pIf the Mother of Jesus received this gift, why should we, her spiritual children, ignore it?..

The word gift means that it was given. Therefore, you are fake if you force it and there is nothing to embrace since it is something that is given.p

Dtruthspeaker:
The word gift means that it was given. Therefore, you are fake if you force it and there is nothing to embrace since it is something that is given.p

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Yes it was given but the speaker doesn't not understand what he speaks

Steep:
Yes the apostles spoke known language and by the way not every Christian has the gift of tongue.
Tongues are actually known languages that can be interpreted not empty gibberish.

Read to the end with scriptural reference. Bible is guild to Christians

Gmone:
Read to the end with scriptural reference. Bible is guild to Christians

The problem of Roman catholics is not speaking in tongues, it is about knowing the truth.
Tongues are not what you just speak it is an utterance given by the Spirit. The Tongues that the apostles spoke were understood by men. Paul said if nobody can understand your language then keep quiet and spake to God only. The only advantage of Tongues is that people of other Tongues can understand the gospel but however if that purpose is not fulfill then it just become self edification. The idea that Tongues makes you spiritual or mature or confuse the devil or make you pray longer is not taught in the scripture.
By the way not every Christian speak Tongues in the early church. The reason why Tongues were common then was because it was a sign to the unbelieving jews but since the gospel shifted from the Jewish nation the gift of Tongues became very rare.

Gmone:
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Yes it was given but the speaker doesn't not understand what he speaks

It does not matter. When you are truly in spirit, understanding is usually left behind, so no point here.

Then, in the bible tongues means languages and not made up gibberish