Category: PENTECOST

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PENTECOST, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 June – ‘ … Do not go astray in the mists, listen to the Shepherd’s Voice. …’ St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 10 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Tuesday – Acts 8:14 -17 – John 10:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

REFLECTION – “Thus says the Lord: “I Myself will come’”… This is what He has undoubtedly done and what He will yet do: “I Myself am coming: I will seek out My sheep, I will tend them as a shepherd tends His flock.” The wicked shepherds took no care of them because they did not redeem their sheep, with their blood… “My sheep hear My Voice. I will seek out My sheep from the midst of the scattered sheep and will bring them out from all the places they were scattered, on the day of clouds and darkness. No matter how difficult it is to find them, I will find them… I will rescue My sheep from foreign lands, I will gather them and lead them back to their own homes; I will lead them to pasture on the mountains of Israel.”

These “mountains of Israel” are the writers of Sacred Scripture. They are the pastures where you are to feed, if you wish to do so safely. Savour everything you learn from them and reject everything outside. Do not go astray in the mists, listen to the Shepherd’s Voice. Gather on the mountains of Sacred Scripture. There, you will find true delight for your heart. There, is nothing poisonous there, nothing dangerous; they are rich pastures… “I will lead them beside rivers, in the best places.” From those mountains we were just talking about, rivers of Gospel preaching pour down since “the voice [of the Apostles] resounds to the ends of the earth” and all the ends of the earth provide pleasant and fertile pastures for the sheep.

“I will cause them to feed in good pasture… and their sheepfold will be there,” that is to say, there, they will rest, there, they will be able to say: “It is good to be here; true enough, it is perfectly clear, we have found the truth.” They will take their rest in the glory of God as in a sheepfold.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 46, On the shepherds; CCL 41, 529).

PRAYER – Let the power of the Holy Spirit be present within us, O Lord, graciously to cleanse our hearts, as well as to guard us from all harm. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come! – Indulgence 300 Days – Every time – Raccolta 179 St Pius X, 6 November 1906.

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the LIGHT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PENTECOST, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 June – But he who does the truth comes to the light … John 3:21

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One Minute Reflection – 9 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Monday – Acts 10:34, 42-48 – John 3:16-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But he who does the truth comes to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, for they have been performed in God.” – John 3:21

REFLECTION – “Being Baptised, we are illuminated; illuminated, we become children; being made children, we are made perfect; being made perfect, we are made immortal. God says: “I have said you are gods and all children of the Most High” (Ps 81:6).

This work of Baptism is variously called grace, illumination, perfection and washing. Washing, by which we cleanse away our sins; grace, by which the punishment owing to our sins is remitted; illumination, by which the holy light of salvation is beheld, so that we clearly see the divine things; perfection, because nothing is lacking. For what is yet lacking to one who knows God? Or how could we call “God’s grace” something which is not perfect? Being perfect Himself, God only bestows perfect gifts …

Therefore, we have hardly been regenerated than, as the name suggests, we have been “illuminated” set free from darkness and, in the same instant, filled with light… We are relieved of the sins which concealed the divine Spirit like a cloud and, behold, the eye of the Spirit is set free, uncovered and full of light – that eye which alone enables us to contemplate divine things.” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. (The Instructor [Paedagogus] 1:6).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gave the Holy Spirit to Thy Apostles, grant that the devout prayers of Your people may be effective and, as Thou hast given us faith, also grant us peace. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PENTECOST, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 8 June – The Feast of Pentecost

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Thought for the Day – 8 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Feast of Pentecost

“Let us pray fervently to the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray with the Church:
“Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.”

Let us recollect ourselves in prayer before the Spirit of God on this day of Pentecost.
Let us renew our resolutions and entrust them to Him so that He may help us to carry them out.

Aspiration: Come into our hearts, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-feast-of-pentecost/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/23/thought-for-the-day-22-june-the-feast-of-pentecost/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, PENTECOST, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, QUOTES on PRAYER, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – Pentecost Sunday

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 June – Pentecost Sunday

“He who abides in Me and I in Him,
the same bears much fruit”
John 5:5

“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him
and cling fast to the holy commandment,
which has been handed down to us
and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility,
that is to say, if we never consent, in any way,
to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30),
Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom,
we believe, God has made His home in us. …
For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes,
the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots,
so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God,
implants, in His people, a sort of affinity
with His own nature and that of the Father.
By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him
by every kind of holiness.
He nourishes them, so that they become devout
and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue
and good works.”

“Virtues are formed by PRAYER.
PRAYER preserves temperance.
PRAYER suppresses anger.
PRAYER prevents emotions of pride and envy.
PRAYER draws the Holy Ghost, into the soul
and raises man to Heaven.”

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Ghost
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee,
His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Thyself.
The Gift of Understanding,
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength,
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil,
by the light of Thine holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Thy Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship, forever and ever.
Amen

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One Minute Reflection – 8 June – ‘…This is wine which was pressed on the Cross!’ St Ephrem

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One Minute Reflection – 8 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Sunday – Acts 2:1-11 – John 14:23-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.” – John 14:26

REFLECTION – “The Apostles were sitting there in the Cenacle, the Upper Room, waiting for the Holy Ghost’s coming. Like torches, they were present there, ready and waiting to be set alight by the Holy Ghost so as to illumine the whole creation with their teaching… They were there like farm hands carrying seed in their coat pocket, waiting for the order to go out and sow. They were there like sailors whose boat is tied up in the harbour of the Son’s commandment and who are waiting for the gentle wind of the Spirit. They were there like shepherds who have just received their staff from the Chief Shepherd of the fold and who are waiting for the flock to be divided among them.

“And they began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” O Cenacle, kneading trough into which has been thrown the leaven, leavening the whole world! O Cenacle, mother of all the Churches, who have witnessed the miracle of the burning bush (Ex 3). O Cenacle, amazing Jerusalem with a wonder far greater than that of the burning furnace which astonished the inhabitants of Babylon (Dn 3). The fire of the furnace burned all those around it but protected those in its midst – the flames of the Cenacle gather together those outside who wish to see them, while bringing comfort to those who receive them. O fire, whose coming is word, whose silence is light! O fire, establishing hearts in thankfulness!…

Some people, who were opposed to the Holy Ghost, said: “These people have had too much new wine; they are drunk.” Indeed, you speak truly! However, it is not as you think it is. It is not wine from the vineyard they have drunk. It is a new wine which flows from Heaven – a wine newly pressed on Golgotha. The Apostles caused it to be drunk and thus, they inebriated all creation. This is wine which was pressed on the Cross!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church [Added by Pope Benedict XV in 1920] – (On the outpouring of the Holy Ghost).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who on this day have taught the hearts of the faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by that Holy Spirit Himself, to know what is right and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, PENTECOST, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 8 June – The Golden Sequence, Veni Sancte Spiritus

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Our Morning Offering – 8 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Sunday

Veni Sancte Spiritus
The Golden Sequence (Extract)

Come, Holy Ghost and bring from above
The splendour of Thy Light.
Come, Father of the poor,
come, Giver of graces,
Come, Light of our hearts.
Best of Consolers,
sweet Guest of the soul,
And Comfort of the weary.
Thou rest in labour,
relief in burning toil,
Consoling us in sorrow.
O blessed Light,
fill the innermost hearts
Of those who trust in Thee.
Without Thy indwelling,
there is nothing in man
And nothing free of sin.
Cleanse what is sordid,
give water in dryness,
And heal the bleeding wounds.
Bend what is proud,
make warm what is cold,
Bring back the wayward soul.
Give to the faithful, who trustingly beg Thee
Thy seven Holy Gifts.
Grant virtue’s reward, salvation in death,
And everlasting joy.
Amen
Alleluia!

“Veni Sancte Spiritus,” the “Golden Sequence”
is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost and its Octave, exclusive Trinity Sunday.
It is usually attributed to either the 13th Century Pope Innocent III (c1160 – 1216) or to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Stephen Langton (c1150 – 1228).

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Ninth Day – The Vigil of Pentecost, 7 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts – The Vigil of Pentecost – 7 June

NINTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE :  Foreword

Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold Gifts, descend.
Give them comfort when they die,
Give them life with Thee on high,
Give them joys which never end.

THE FRUITS of the HOLY GHOST

The Gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues,
by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to Divine inspiration.
As we grow in the knowledge and love of God, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous,
the practice of virtue becomes more perfect.
Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation
and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
These Fruits, in turn, render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts,
in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign!

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit,
fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits,
Thy charity, joy,
peace, patience,
benignity, goodness,
faith, mildness and temperance,
that I may never weary
of the service of God
but, by continued faithful submission,
to Thy inspiration,
may merit to be united eternally with Thee,
in the love of the Father
and the Son.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Eighth Day – 6 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE :  Foreword

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps which go astray!

The Spirit of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts.
Of Wisdom it is written:
“all good things come to me with her
and innumerable riches through her hands.”
It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith,
fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue
in the highest degree.
Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine,
in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour,
whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness,
according to the words of the Saviour:
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,
for My Yoke is sweet and My Burden light.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom
and reveal to my soul,
the Mysteries of heavenly things,
their exceeding greatness,
power and beauty.
Teach me to love them above
and beyond all the passing joys
and satisfactions of earth.
Help me to attain them
and possess them forever.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Seventh Day – 5 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE :  Foreword

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away!

THE GIFT OF COUNSEL

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence,
enabling it to judge promptly and rightly, that which must be done,
especially in difficult circumstances.
Counsel applies, the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding, to the innumerable concrete cases
which confront us, in the course of our daily duty,
as parents, teachers, public servants and Christian citizens.
Counsel is supernatural common-sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation.
“Above all things, pray to the Most High,
that He may direct thy way in truth.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel,
help and guide me in all my ways,
that I may always fulfill Thine Holy Will.
Incline my heart to that which is good;
turn it away from all which is evil
and direct me,
by the straight path of Thy commandments,
to that goal of eternal life
for which I long.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Sixth Day – 4 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE :  Foreword

If Thou take Thy grace away,
nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING

Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Ghost,
helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion.
By faith we know them but, by Understanding,
we learn to appreciate and relish them.
It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning, of revealed truths and through them, to be quickened to newness of life.
Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but, inspires a mode of life,
which bears eloquent testimony, to the faith which is in us, we begin to:
“walk worthily of God in all things,
pleasing Him and increasing,
in the knowledge of God.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding
and enlighten our minds,
that we may know and believe
all the Mysteries of salvation
and may merit, at last,
to see the eternal light of Thy Light
and in the light of glory,
to have a clear vision of Thee
and the Father and the Son.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Fifth Day – 3 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

FIFTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE: Foreword

Light immortal! Light Divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine
And our inmost being fill!

THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

The Gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things,
at their true worth, in their relationship to God.
Knowledge unmasks the pretence of creatures, reveals their emptiness
and points out their only true purpose, as instruments, in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God, even in adversity and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life.
Guided by its light, we put first things first
and prize the friendship of God, beyond all else.
“Knowledge is a fountain of life
to him who possesseth it.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge
and grant that I may perceive
the Will of the Father;
show me the nothingness of earthly things,
that I may realise their vanity
and use them, only for Thy glory
and my own salvation,
looking ever beyond them
to Thee and Thine Eternal Rewards.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Fourth Day –2 June

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

FOURTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE: Foreword

Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fear
and supported to the end, in the performance of duty.
Fortitude imparts to the will, an impulse and energy
which move it to undertake, without hesitancy, the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample underfoot, human respect
and, to endure, without complaint, the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation.
“He who shall persevere unto the end,
he shall be saved.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude,
uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity,
sustain my efforts, after sanctity,
strengthen my weakness,
give me courage against all the assaults
of my enemies
that I may never be overcome
and separated from Thee, my God
and greatest Good.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be recited each day of the Novena

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the Second Day – 31 May

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE: Foreword

Come. Father of the poor.
Come, treasures which endures,
Come, Light of all Who live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us
with a sovereign respect for God
and makes us dread nothing as much,
as to offend Him by sin.
It is a fear which arises,
not from the thought of hell
but, from sentiments of reverence
and filial submission to our Heavenly Father.
It is the fear which is the beginning of wisdom,
detaching us from worldly pleasures
which could, in any way,
separate us from God.
“They who fear the Lord,
will prepare their hearts
and in His sight,
will sanctify their souls. ”

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear,
penetrate my inmost heart,
that I may set Thee,
my Lord and God,
before my face forever,
help me to shun all things
which may offend Thee
and make me worthy
to appear before
the pure Eyes of Thy Divine Majesty
in Heaven, where Thou livest and reignest,
in the unity of the ever-Blessed Trinity,
God world without end.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost, the First Day – 30 May

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The Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts

“We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Ghost,
for, each one of us, greatly needs His protection
and His aid.
The more we are lacking in wisdom,
weak in strength,
burdened with trouble,
prone to sin,
the more we should turn to Him,
Who, is the never-ceasing Fount of Light,
Strength, Consolation and Holiness!”

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)

Foreword

The Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all Novenas, since it was first prayed 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 Ghost, the Church has granted the following Indulgences:

“The faithful who devoutly assist at the public Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost, 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.”

An Indulgence of 10 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
A Plenary Indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the exercises and go to Confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.

“Those who make a private Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost, 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.”

An Indulgence of 7 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
A Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions but, if a public Novena is held, this Indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully hindered from being part of the same.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost

Only one thing is important — eternal salvation.
Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin.
Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness
and indifference.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength and of Love.
With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will and inflames the heart with love of God.
To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity.
We know not what we should pray for as we ought.
But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,
Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us
by water and the Holy Ghost
and hast given us forgiveness of all sins,
vouchsafe to send forth upon us from Heaven,
Thy sevenfold Spirit,
the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude,
the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety
and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT of CONSECRATION to the HOLY GHOST
To be prayed each day of the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy purity,
the unerring keenness of Thyr justice
and the might of Thy love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul!
In Thee I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thy Voice
and follow Thy gracious Inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace,
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to Thee always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thy servant hears.”
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 May – ‘ … Consider the analogy of the sunbeam … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 22 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – St Rita of Cascia (1386-1457) Widow, Stigmatist – Patron of Impossible Causes – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If I go, I will send Him to you.” – John 16:7

REFLECTION – “The Holy Ghost is simple in being. His powers are many. They are entirely present everywhere and in everything. He is distributed but does not change. He is shared yet remains whole.

Consider the analogy of the sunbeam – each person on whom its kindly light falls, rejoices! as if the sun existed for him alone, yet it illumines land and sea and is master of the atmosphere.
In the same way, the Spirit is given to each one who receives Him as if he were the possession of that person alone, yet He sends forth sufficient grace to fill the entire universe.
Everything which partakes of His grace is filled with joy according to its capacity—the capacity of its nature, not of His power.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Grant us, Thy servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body; and by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 23 May – Nunc, Sancte, nobis Spiritus, Come, Holy Ghost, Who ever One

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Our Morning Offering – 23 May – Pentecost Thursday

Nunc, Sancte, nobis Spiritus
Come, Holy Ghost, Who ever One
By St Ambrose (340-397)
Trans John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Trans 1836

Come, Holy Ghost, Who ever One
Art with the Father and the Son.
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls possess
With Thy full flood of holiness.

In will and deed, by heart and tongue,
With all our powers, Thy praise be sung.
And love, light up our mortal frame,
Till others catch the living flame.

Almighty Father, hear our cry
Through Jesus Christ our Lord most high,
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee
Doth live and reign eternally.

Posted in FRUITS of the SPIRIT, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Nine

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts – 18 May

NINTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold Gifts, descend.
Give them comfort when they die,
Give them life with Thee on high,
Give them joys which never end.

THE FRUITS of the HOLY GHOST

The Gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues,
by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to Divine inspiration.
As we grow in the knowledge and love of God, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous,
the practice of virtue becomes more perfect.
Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation
and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
These Fruits, in turn, render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts,
in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign!

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit,
fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits,
Thy charity, joy,
peace, patience,
benignity, goodness,
faith, mildness and temperance,
that I may never weary
of the service of God
but by continued faithful submission,
to Thy inspiration,
may merit to be united eternally with Thee,
in the love of the Father
and the Son.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Eight

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – 17 May

EIGHTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps which go astray!

THE GIFT OF WISDOM

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts.
Of Wisdom it is written:
“all good things come to me with her
and innumerable riches through her hands.”
It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith,
fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue
in the highest degree.
Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine,
in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour,
whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness,
according to the words of the Saviour:
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,
for My Yoke is sweet and My Burden light.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom
and reveal to my soul,
the Mysteries of heavenly things,
their exceeding greatness,
power and beauty.
Teach me to love them above
and beyond all the passing joys
and satisfactions of earth.
Help me to attain them
and possess them forever.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Six

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – 15 May

SIXTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING

Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Ghost,
helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion.
By faith we know them but, by Understanding,
we learn to appreciate and relish them.
It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning, of revealed truths and through them, to be quickened to newness of life.
Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but, inspires a mode of life,
which bears eloquent testimony, to the faith which is in us, we begin to:
“walk worthily of God in all things,
pleasing Him and increasing,
in the knowledge of God.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding
and enlighten our minds,
that we may know and believe
all the Mysteries of salvation
and may merit, at last,
to see the eternal light of Thy Light
and in the light of glory,
to have a clear vision of Thee
and the Father and the Son.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Five

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Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts – 14 May

FIFTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Light immortal! Light Divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill!

THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

The Gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things,
at their true worth, in their relationship to God.
Knowledge unmasks the pretence of creatures, reveals their emptiness
and points out their only true purpose, as instruments, in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God, even in adversity and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life.
Guided by its light, we put first things first
and prize the friendship of God, beyond all else.
“Knowledge is a fountain of life
to him who possesseth it.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge
and grant that I may perceive
the Will of the Father;
show me the nothingness of earthly things,
that I may realise their vanity
and use them, only for Thy glory
and my own salvation,
looking ever beyond them
to Thee and Thine Eternal Rewards.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CONSECRATION Prayers, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Four

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Indulgenced Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts – 13 May

FOURTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fear
and supported to the end, in the performance of duty.
Fortitude imparts to the will, an impulse and energy
which move it to undertake, without hesitancy, the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample underfoot, human respect
and, to endure, without complaint, the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation.
“He who shall persevere unto the end,
he shall be saved.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude,
uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity,
sustain my efforts, after holiness,
strengthen my weakness,
give me courage against all the assaults
of my enemies
that I may never be overcome
and separated from Thee, my God
and greatest Good.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in CONSECRATION Prayers, INDULGENCES, PENTECOST, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY GHOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena, Day Two

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts – 11 May

SECOND DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Come. Father of the poor.
Come, treasures which endure,
Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God
and makes us dread nothing as much, as to offend Him by sin.
It is a fear which arises, not from the thought of hell
but, from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our Heavenly Father.
It is the fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures which could, in anyway, separate us from God.
“They who fear the Lord, will prepare their hearts
and in His sight, will sanctify their souls. ”

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear,
penetrate my inmost heart,
that I may set Thee,
my Lord and God,
before my face forever.
Help me to shun all things
which may offend Thee
and make me worthy
to appear before
the pure Eyes of Thine Divine Majesty
in Heaven, where Thou lives and reigns,
in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity,
God world without end.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in INDULGENCES, PENTECOST

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – 10 May

Foreword

The Novena in honour 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 Ghost, the Church has granted the following indulgences:

“The faithful who devoutly assist at the public Novena in honour 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.”

  1. An Indulgence of 10 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
  2. A Plenary Indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the exercises and go to Confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.

“Those who make a private Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost, 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.”

  1. An Indulgence of 7 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
  2. A Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions but, if a public Novena is held, this Indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully hindered from being part of the same.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important — eternal salvation.
Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin.
Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness and indifference.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength and of Love.
With His Sevenfold Gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will and inflames the heart with love of God.
To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity.
We know not what we should pray for as we ought.
But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,
Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us
by water and the Holy Ghost
and hast given us forgiveness of all sins,
vouchsafe to send forth, upon us from Heaven,
Thy Sevenfold Spirit,
the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude,
the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety
and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PENTECOST, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 February – “Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the little ones.” – Matthew 11:25

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One Minute Reflection – 24 February – Feast of St Matthias – Acts 1:15-26, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the little ones.” – Matthew 11:25

REFLECTION – “When more obscure Mysteries are presented to your timid nature by your faith, Christian soul, take courage and say [like Mary], “ How shall this be done …?” (Lk 1:34), not in a controversial spirit but with the love of a disciple. Let your questioning be your prayer, your love, your piety, your humble desire – not seeking to plumb the depths of God’s majesty but looking for salvation, in the healing acts of the God, Who saves us. …

No-one “knows a man’s thoughts, except the spirit of the man which is in him; so also, no-one comprehends the thoughts of God, except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11). Hasten then to be a sharer in the Holy Spirit. He is present when He is called upon; nor could He be called upon, if He were not present. When, on being called upon, He comes, it is with the abundance of the blessings of God. He is the flowing of “the river which gives joy to God’s city” (Ps 45:5). And if, when He comes, He finds you humble and still and respecting the Words of God, He will rest upon you (Lk 1:35) and He will reveal to you, what God the Father withdraws from the wise and prudent of this world and those things, will begin to dawn upon you which Wisdom (1 Cor 1:24) could say to the disciples when on this earth but which they were unable to bear, until the Spirit of Truth came, Who was to teach them all Truth (Jn 16:12-13).” – William of Saint-Thierry O.Cist.

PRAYER – O God, Who added blessed Matthias to the company of Thy Apostles, grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession we may ever be aware of the depth of Thy love for us. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PENTECOST, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 16 October – The Third Glorious Mystery, The Descent of the Holy Spirit

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Thought for the Day – 16 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Third Glorious Mystery
The Descent of the Holy Spirit

“The Apostles were completely transformed after the feast of Pentecost.
They had ben ignorant rustics, timid and vacillating.
They had hardly understood at all, the lofty teachings of Christ, for they were hoping still for an earthly kingdom in which they would occupy the highest posts.

When they received the Holy Spirit, however, their minds were flooded with supernatural light and they became heroic in their resolution.
Ignorant, though they had been, they became masters of Truth, far superior to the sages of Athens or the philosophers of Rome.
They were no longer timid and hesitating but, fearlessly encountered the power of the Sanhedrin, the whips of the soldiery, the dangers of long voyages and, Martyrdom itself.

We too have received the illumination and favours of the Holy Spirit.
Many times, when we have invoked Him, He has inspired and consoled us.
But we may not have responded with the same fervour and self-denial as the Apostles.
Let us remember that, to neglect God’s gifts, is to risk our eternal salvation!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/15/thought-for-the-day-15-october-the-third-glorious-mystery-the-descent-of-the-holy-spirit/

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 24 September – O COME to me

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Our Morning Offering – 24 September – The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Patris et Filii Concordia
Come Holy Spirit,
Love of Father and Son.
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O COME to me, my only Hope,
O Lord my God.
Come to me, true Light,
Father, Almighty God.
Come, Light from Light,
both Word and Son of God,
God Almighty.
Come Holy Spirit, Love of Father and Son,
One God Almighty.
Come One Almighty God,
Father and Son and Holy Spirit.

Teach faith, stir up hope, pour out love.
Thy will is present with me
(yet not from me but from Thee)
to leave the world and the earth
and to seek the Heavens.
But this will is a feeble feather, without Thy help.
Give wings of faith
that I might fly on high to Thee.
Amen

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST the LIGHT, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – O Holy Spirit of God By Fr Erasmus Rotterdam

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Our Morning Offering – 2 June – Pentecost Friday

O Holy Spirit of God
By Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (1466-1536)
(Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam)

O Holy Spirit of God
with Your holy breath,
You purify the hearts and minds of humankind,
comforting them,
when they are in sorrow,
leading them,
aright when they have gone astray,
kindling them,
when their hearts are cold,
reconciling them,
when they are at variance
and enriching them,
with Your many gifts.
By Your working,
all things live.
We make our prayer to You,
maintain and day by day,
increase, the gifts which You
have granted us,
so that with Your Light
before us and within us,
we may pass through this world,
without stumbling
and without straying.
Who with the Father and the Son,
are One God,
now and forever.
Amen

Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Dutch Philosopher and Theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance. As a Catholic Priest, he was an important figure in classical scholarship who wrote in a pure Latin style.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost by St Bonaventure

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Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Pentecost Wednesday

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Ghost
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee,
His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Thyself.
The Gift of Understanding,
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength,
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil,
by the light of Thine holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Thy Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PENTECOST, QUOTES on GRACE, Quotes on SALVATION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 30 May – Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

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Thought for the Day – 30 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

“The Apostles were completely transformed after the Feast of Pentecost.
They had ben ignorant rustics, timid and vacillating.
They had hardly understood at all, the lofty teachings of Christ, for they were hoping still for an earthly kingdom in which they would occupy the highest posts.

When they received the Holy Spirit, however, their minds were flooded with supernatural light and they became heroic in their resolution.
Ignorant, though they had been, they became masters of Truth, far superior to the sages of Athens or the philosophers of Rome!
They were no longer timid and hesitating but, fearlessly encountered the power of the Sanhedrin, the whips of the soldiery, the dangers of long voyages and, Martyrdom itself.

We too have received the illumination and favours of the Holy Spirit.
Many times, when we have invoked Him, He has inspired and consoled us.
But we may not have responded with the same fervour and self-denial as the Apostles.
Let us remember that, to neglect God’s gifts, is to risk our eternal salvation!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/30/thought-for-the-day-30-may-bearer-of-the-treasures-of-grace/

Posted in CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 30 May – Come O Holy Spirit! By St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 30 May – Pentecost Tuesday

Come O Holy Spirit!
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

You made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Your love.
You are the Spirit of goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
You are Fire,
set us ablaze with Your Love.
You are Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly igood and true.
You are the Dove,
give us gentleness.
You are a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
You are the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
You are the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Your protection.
O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen