Pentecost Novena

The Pentecost Novena is the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost."  On May 4, 1897, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed: "We decree and command that throughout the whole Catholic Church, this year and in every subsequent year,   a novena shall take place before Pentecost, in all parish churches."   Let’s join the world in praying a novena in preparation of Pentecost – beginning on Friday, May 10  the day after Ascension Thursday(which in the United States is celebrated on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 12)  Pentecost is Sunday May 19, 2013. Prayer:

 

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful,

and enkindle 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. 

O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit,

did instruct the hearts of Your faithful,

grant that by that same Holy Spirit,

we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation,

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.