Preparing for Pentecost: Novena to the Holy Spirit

A novena is a traditional devotion whereby 9 days are set aside and dedicated to particular spiritual practice and prayer. It may be to prepare for a feast, to seek a particular grace or to honour God, Our Lady or the saints, (or it may be a mixture of all of the above) It is a time of deepened prayer and often includes elements of fasting, meditation, pilgrimage and works of kindness and compassion…

The practice began from the 9 days spent by the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus together with Mary His Mother from the time of His Ascension until the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day. This is the first and greatest of novenas and it is kept annually by the Church. We begin today so why not join in and seek an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in your life over these 9 days. You will be joining with the whole Church as we pray together for each other and for the world. A simple prayer you can say each day follows:
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Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray;
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations, Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, pray for us.

Br Richard Hendrick OFM Cap.

Guardian – Ard Mhuire Friary, Creeslogh, Donegal.