Novena of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost in Our Time - Day One

The following novena is based on traditional prayers, and is centered on the gifts associated with the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord). These form a supernatural framework through which the Holy Spirit moves us from within, by conforming us to the very mode of his own action. Also reflected in the novena are the so-called “fruits” or perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as a pledge of eternal glory. These are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. Both the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are ordered to the mission we have as baptized Christians to live and proclaim our new life in Christ.


First Day: The Gift of Fear of the Lord - Friday, May 2nd (Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor)

Leader: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

Response: Enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.

Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Leader: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.” Whenever Scripture speaks of the fear of the Lord, we notice that it never mentions it on its own, as if fear could by itself bring our faith to perfection. But of the true fear of the Lord we read: “Come, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” The fear of God, then, is something to be learned, because it is taught. Its origins are found by a way of teaching, and not in fright. We find it in obeying the commandments, in doing the good deeds of a blameless life, and in coming to know the truth, and not in moments of human terror. All our fear of God is inspired and perfected by love. By the gift of the Holy Spirit, may we be overwhelmed by the greatness and goodness of God, and avoid all sin and attachment to created things, so that each of us may be a living sign of the gospel for all people to see.

Leader: Let us pray.

All: Heavenly Father, from the beginning of time you have prepared the way of salvation for the human race wounded by sin and death. Through your inspired word, you have taught that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” By the gift of the Holy Spirit may we in the Diocese of Toledo walk always along the path you have revealed, following your counsels, conforming ourselves to your commands, and trusting your promises as heralds of a new Pentecost. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leader: Mary, Temple of the Holy Spirit,

Response: Pray for us.


Click here to download a PDF of the full Novena Booklet

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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Diocese of Toledo Makes Novena Booklet Available: "Novena to the Holy Spirit - Pentecost in Our Time" [UPDATED]

Bishop Blair: "Come Holy Spirit"