In his homily May 1 and in the “From the Pastor” bulletin notes, Msgr. Paul has asked us to pray the novena to the Holy Spirit. A Novena is a 9-day prayer form, so to end this by Pentecost Sunday, May 15, we need to begin on Friday, May 6.

Novena to the Holy Spirit – A Nine-Day Prayer Plan

Holy Spirit NovenaWe make a commitment to pray the Novena every day for that time period. This is the prototype of all novenas. It commemorates the nine days between the Ascension of Our Lord and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost Sunday

[this year May 6-14]. During this time Our Lady and the twelve Apostles prayed in the Upper Room for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Himself instituted this Novena and it is celebrated every year by the whole Church.

The Church has provided many prayers for the Holy Spirit down through the centuries. I have provided a few examples below. You can also do your own internet search or refer to your favorite Catholic prayer book.

Primary Intention: like the Apostles, we pray that the Holy Spirit will come into our lives and set the Church and faithful on fire with true apostolic zeal.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your Apostles and Disciples, graciously bestow the same Holy Spirit on me, that He may perfect in my soul the work of your grace and love.
Fill me—With the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal.

With the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal.With the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the height of your divine truth.

With the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the height of your divine truth.With the Spirit of Right Judgment that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing our heavenly Father and

With the Spirit of Right Judgment that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing our heavenly Father and gaining Heaven.With the Spirit of Courage that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome with courage all the

With the Spirit of Courage that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation.

With the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the
Saints.

With the Spirit of Reverence that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable.

With the Spirit of Wonder and Praise that I may be filled with a loving awe towards God, and may dread in any
way to displease Him.

Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of your true disciples and animate me in all things with your Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Traditional Prayer to the Holy Spirit

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.

Monsignor V. Paul Fitzmaurice
“From the Pastor” Bulletin Notes: 1-May-2016
Saint Agnes Church, North Huntingdon, PA