Novena of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost in Our Times - Day Four

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.


Fourth Day: The Gift of Knowledge - Monday, May 5, 2008 (Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

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: For the Bible, true knowledge can only be acquired by recognizing the loving call of God and by responding with love to his divine plan. St. John’s gospel tells us: “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” Knowledge is centered entirely on the supreme mystery of Christ and his cross, which unlock the meaning of every human life and of all history. As a gift of the Holy Spirit, knowledge gives us certainty that all things are ordered to God in Christ. This knowledge is revealed on every page of Scripture, deepened by the Church’s living tradition, and celebrated in the liturgy. By a new Pentecost in our time, may the Holy Spirit confirm our faith in sure knowledge of the truths of faith.

Leader: Let us pray.

All: Father, we ask you to send the Holy Spirit upon our minds and hearts so that the gift of knowledge which we received in Baptism and Confirmation may be purified and deepened in us. By his power may the darkness of our sins give way to the bright radiance of knowing you, the only true God, and the one whom you have sent, Jesus Christ, so that we may be instruments of renewal for our diocese, and of salvation for our world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leader: Mary, filled with Knowledge,

Response: Pray for us.


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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Novena of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost in Our Times - Day Three

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

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

Diocese of Toledo Makes Novena Booklet Available: "Novena to the Holy Spirit - Pentecost in Our Time" [UPDATED]

Bishop Blair: "Come Holy Spirit"