Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost-Starts Today!

PRINTABLE VERSION OF NOVENA

The “Novena to the Holy Ghost,” is traditionally recited 9 days before the feast of Pentecost (the last day is the day before the feast). Here is some commentary from http://www.catholictradition.org/:

The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself, when He sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Catholic today. To encourage devotion to the Holy Spirit, the Church has granted the following indulgences: “The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy Spirit immediately preceding the Solemn Feast of Pentecost may gain a partial indulgence for themselves, or as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed. Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Spirit, either before the Solemn Feast of Pentecost or at any other time in the year, may also gain a partial indulgence for themselves or as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed."

There has never been a more important time in history to possess the light of the Holy Ghost and discernment, than now. Let us give God our very best at this time and pray this novena all over the world together, for the intentions of our Holy Mother Church. Don’t worry if you start the novena late or if you don’t do it perfectly-don’t let that discourage you. Pray this as a family and you will be greatly blessed (this novena is also a wonderful way to teach your children the Gifts of the Holy Ghost)!

Short Rosary Meditation: The Descent of The Holy Ghost

The Descent of The Holy Ghost

“Descent” is a dramatic word. What does dictionary.com say? Here is an excerpt:

descent: noun
-the act, process, or fact of moving from a higher to a lower position.
-a passage or stairway leading down.
-any passing from higher to lower in degree or state; decline.

Let’s go through this. “Higher to a lower position.” When we contemplated the Ascension, we spoke of Christ traversing from earth to Heaven. Now Heaven descends to earth. “Passage or stairway leading down.” This stairway, leading down from Heaven also helps us to ascend back up to Heaven, through the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost. “Passing from higher to lower in degree.” The Higher comes down to the lower, not to degrade Himself, but to uplift us to Himself. How extraordinary. And people think Catholics are negative?

So here we have the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, taking His turn to come to earth, the final great Act in this Story of God’s revelation of Himself to mankind and ultimate redemption. First, the Father came to the Jews, then the Son came to die, then the Holy Ghost came as the “Giver of Life,” as we are told in the Nicene Creed. We received Him in our Sacrament of Confirmation, but how often do we think of this sacrament and its implications in our daily lives? We must study the fruits and gifts we received and make every effort to increase these virtues within ourselves.

Especially at this time, let us resolve to give God our very best, to not disappoint Him and to avail ourselves of all the graces given to us. Dear Holy Ghost, help me to love, know and understand Thee better with each passing day!