the pentecost novena
"Then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." —John 16:22
Over a hundred years ago, Pope Leo XIII called the Catholic Church throughout the world to pray nine days (a novena) for the Holy Spirit to give a new Pentecost to the Church. This calling from Pope Leo XIII is still in effect, and today is the first day of this Pentecost novena.
Commit yourself to praying all nine days of the novena. Although the Church has no official prayers for the novena, various religious orders and ministries have published suggested prayers. During the novena, try to go to Mass everyday. Go to Confession before Pentecost. Also, try to pray daily in other ways for the coming of the Spirit. If possible, pray with others so that you can help one another when you have times of mourning, grief, or pain during the novena (Jn 16:20-21).
If Pentecost arrives and you have not as yet received the fullness of the Spirit, don't end the novena; extend it until you accept the grace to leave the upper room to tell the world about Jesus. Even before you've received the special graces of the novena, try to share this novena with at least one other person. If you try to give the Spirit to others, you will receive the Spirit deeply and powerfully.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, give me deep repentance and purification through this novena.
Promise: "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you. No one will attack you or harm you. There are many of My people in this city." —Acts 18:9-10
Praise: Jesus healed Marguerite of cancer.
Reference: (For many prayers related to the Holy Spirit, order our booklet, Praying For a New Pentecost.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995