For the Spirit of God scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God…. no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).”

Send Forth Your Spirit, Lord! © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012 (photo by Ken)

Like our ancient counter-parts in waiting for Pentecost in the Cenacle of the Upper Room in Jerusalem, we are on a spiritual quest to prepare our hearts to receive fully the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. We are cognizant that our true happiness lies in in our ability to know, love and serve God in this life and the next. We are powerless to achieve this goal alone: we need His grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

God Is Love. © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012

The Holy Spirit is the Love of God in action- One, perpetual movement of Being, emanating from the Father and the Son Eternally in Love. We are called to Love and by this Love we shall be saved. The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential in our lives. Jesus said: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God John 3:5).” If we desire Eternal happiness, then seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit is a requisite place to begin.

It is to this end that we continue with the fifth day of our novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation for the Solemnity of Pentecost. This novena is currently prayed each day after Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill.

Each day the Preparatory prayer is:

Enlighten the Hearts of Your Faithful! © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012 (EA photo)

O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!

I adore You as my Triune God.

I bless You by uniting myself to the praises You receive from the angels and saints.

I offer You my whole heart, and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed and unceasingly bestow upon the world. You are the author of all supernatural gifts and Who did enrich with immense favors the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, I beseech You to visit me by Your Grace and Your Love, and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena. . . .(state your request here). O Holy Spirit, Spirit of all Truth, come into our hearts: shed the brightness of your light on all nations, that they may be of one faith and pleasing to You. Amen.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love.

(Recite the prayer of the appropriate day)

Day Five

Send Forth the Radiance of Your Light! © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012 (EA photo)

Come, O Spirit of sanctity, from the glory of heaven and send forth the radiance of Your Light. Father of all the poor, light and peace of all hearts, come with Your countless gifts. Consoler in desolation; refreshment full of loveliness, come dear friend of my soul. In weariness send repose; breathe gently cool refreshing breeze; console the desolate who weep alone. Light of Beatitude, make our hearts ready; come enter our souls. Without Your grace, man stands alone; he cannot be good or sure. Cleanse what is soiled; heal what is wounded; moisten what is arid. Bend the stubborn will; warm the cold heart; guide the wandering footstep. O Holy Spirit, we beg You to give us grace through Your sevenfold power and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena. . .(state your request here). . Give us merit for the present, and one day beatitude when we have finished our earthly journey. Amen.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love.

May the Holy Spirit give you His Light and His peace!

Blessings,

Ad Jesum per Mariam,

M.A. J.M.J.