Novena: The nine days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost were the original novena (nine days of prayer for a special purpose). Pray your own novena during these days, meditating on the gifts (Isaiah 11:2) and fruits (Galatians 5:22-23) of the Holy Spirit and how they operate in your life…or use one like this.
Decorate: Use the color red & symbols of the Holy Spirit: dove (Luke 3:22), fire (Acts 2:3-4), water (John 7:38-39), anointing (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), cloud & light (Luke 9:34, Exodus 40:36-38), seal (John 6:27), hand (Acts 8:17-19), finger (Luke 11:20)
Gifts & Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Write out the gifts (Isaiah 11:2: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord) and fruits (Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity) of the Holy Spirit on slips of paper. Draw one of each out of a hat (or other container) and focus on that gift & fruit for the next year.
Read up on the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 11:1-9; Luke 4:14-21; John 14:15-17 & 16:7-14; Acts 2:1-4 & 8:26-40; Romans 8:1-27; I Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 1:13 & 4:30; Hebrews 10:19-31 & 12:1-13; James 3:13-18, I John 2:20-27, & 3:22-24 & 4:1-16
Pray the Veni Creator Spiritus–it’s enriched with a plenary indulgence when prayed on Pentecost (with the usual conditions of Sacramental Confession within a week, Holy Communion that day, prayers for the Holy Father’s intentions–one “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” suffice–and no attachment to sin)
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
And in our souls take up Your rest;
Come with Your grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which You have made.
O Comforter, to You we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O font of life and fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above.
You in your sevenfold gifts are known;
You, finger of God’s hand we own;
You, promise of the Father, You
who do the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our senses from above,
And make our hearts o’erflow with love;
With patience firm and virtue high
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us your peace instead;
So shall we not, with You for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Your grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know;
And You, through endless times confessed,
Of both the Eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death be glory given,
With You, O holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
Heaven Sent & Homeward Bound 