Bishop Blair: "Come Holy Spirit"

Toledo Bishop Leonard P. Blair writes in the April 2008 issue of The Catholic Chronicle:

Come, Holy Sprit!

Written by Bishop Leonard P. Bair, Bishop of Toledo

... The signs of our times are calling us to renew our mission of drawing all people into communion with God and with one another in the church. In the face of social, cultural and ecclesiastical upheaval, we are awakening to the urgency of evangelization. The Gospel (evangelium in Latin) is the “good news” of unity with God and of the whole human race. This is our faith!

Now, in the first years of the third Christian millennium, how vigorous is the flame of faith, in your heart and mine, in our diocese, in our parishes and communities, our schools and homes? This flame is not for ourselves alone, but for the life of the world, its redemption, for the salvation of souls. This is our mission. Where the flame is smoldering among us, it needs a rush of air. Where the fire has gone out, it needs a new spark.

This year I am asking that our whole diocese, and every parish publicly, participate in a novena of prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit on the nine days leading up to Pentecost Sunday, that is, from May 2-10. A diocesan novena booklet is being sent to each parish for distribution. Besides offering these novena prayers publicly in church, everyone is encouraged to participate at home...

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My Comments:
I wonder how many other Bishops use their column in the diocesan newspaper to ask those in their flock to pray novenas. The Anderson family will definitely make use of the novena booklet being sent out by the Diocese of Toledo.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Bishop Blair: "Truly Grave Moral Reasons" and "Serious Moral Soul-Searching" Before "Could Be Morally Permissible" to Vote for Pro-Abortion Candidate

Bishop Blair: "Lent 2008: ‘Lord, Teach Us to Pray’ "

Bishop Blair: "The World is Not Enough"

Bishop Blair: "Peace on Earth, in Communities, Homes"

Bishop Blair Urges Toledo-Area Catholics to Reject Domestic-Partner Registry

Bishop Blair: "Listening to Our Mother"

"How a Shepherd Speaks"

Bishop Blair: "A Dialogue of Truth and Love"

Bishop Blair: "Upholding the Bond of Love" (Part 3)

Bishop Blair: "Upholding the Bond of Love" (Part 2)

Bishop Blair: "Upholding the Bond of Love"

Bishop Blair: "The Gospel of Life Revisited"

Bishop Blair: "Building Your House on a Rock"

Meeting the Bishop - After Action Report

Bishop Blair Teaches: "And With Your Spirit"

Bishop Blair: "What God Joins Together"