As Ascension Thursday approaches, the Church prepares for the “granddaddy” of all novenas: the Novena to the Holy Spirit.
This was not a private devotion that emerged centuries later. It was the first novena, given by Christ Himself.
Before His Ascension, Our Lord commanded the Apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. In obedience, they gathered with the Blessed Virgin Mary in prayer during the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. Then came Pentecost: the descent of the Holy Spirit and the public birth of the Church’s mission to the world.
For 2,000 years, Christians have followed that same pattern.
In an age of noise, confusion, counterfeit wisdom, and restless striving, this novena remains strikingly relevant. The Holy Spirit is not merely a symbol or vague inspiration. He is the Sanctifier, the Counselor, the Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
The Apostles did not begin their mission through strategy, power, or self-confidence. They waited. They prayed. They received.
So should we.
If there is one novena to pray each year, this is the one.
Come, Holy Spirit. Renew Thy faithful. Kindle in us again the fire of Thy love.
Below is the traditional Novena Prayer to the Holy Spirit from the prayer card shown here, published with ecclesiastical approval by the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
“Come, Spirit of Wisdom, dispose our hearts to know and value the things of heaven above the things of earth and show us the way to salvation.
Come, Spirit of Understanding, enlighten our minds to the mysteries of salvation and grant that we may come to a fuller knowledge of you.
Come, Spirit of Counsel, guide us in the way of your commandments. Incline us to good. Keep us from evil and bring us to everlasting life.
Come, Spirit of Fortitude, strengthen us in every trial and help us in our struggle against evil. Never let us be parted from you.
Come, Spirit of Knowledge, help us to see beyond the passing joys of this world to the glories you have prepared for us.
Come, Spirit of Piety, stir up our hearts to true holiness and love of you. May we always seek you in spirit and in truth.
Come, Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, teach us ever to set the Lord before us and to avoid whatever is displeasing to you. Bring us all one day to the fullness of your love.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.”
Published with Ecclesiastical Approval
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
4th Street & Michigan Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017
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