Novena for Pentecost

O Jesus! triumphant Conqueror of Sin and Death! who hast taken possession of that seat of bliss purchased by Thy Blood, remember Thy tender promise, that Thou wouldst not leave us orphans—John, xiv. 18. Send down upon each of us, and upon Thy whole Church, that Spirit of Light, of Truth, and of Love, who alone can bring to our minds and imprint on our hearts the Divine lessons of Humility, Poverty, Obedience, and Contempt of the World, which Thou hast taught us during Thy mortal life. But if Thy apostles themselves were rendered unworthy of receiving the plenitude of Thy Spirit, by too natural an attachment to Thy Adorable Humanity, which was so lovely, so amiable, and so worthy their tenderest love! how can we hope for His descent into our hearts, which are defiled by a thousand imperfect and sinful inclinations? O my God! if thou desirest to give us Thy holy Spirit, prepare Thyself His dwelling in our souls: unite our hearts and affections to the ardent sighs and perfect dispositions with which Thy Blessed Mother and apostles awaited His coming in the Cenacle. And Thou, O Adorable Spirit! who breathest where Thou wilt—ibid., iii. 8, deign to descend on us who are here assembled in Thy Name, and on all the members of Thy Church, to which “Thou wilt teach all truth to the end of time”—ibid., xvi. 19. O Spirit of Purity! Spirit of Peace! whom the foulest stain of sin cannot resist, purify our souls, and infuse therein that peace which the “world” can neither give nor take away—ibid., xiv., 27. Oh! rend the Heavens, and come down, consoling Spirit! that, strengthened and encouraged by Thee, we may faithfully comply with the duties of our particular state, embrace the Cross in whatever shape it is presented, and study to accomplish the Divine Will with the utmost perfection.

Hymn—“Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams”, etc.

It would be well always to recite the above, as also the “Litany of the Holy Ghost”, on the “Anniversary of Confirmation”, and to renew the “Baptismal Vows”; to renew oneself in purity of heart and recollection, by a short retreat—these two virtues being essential; as sin, and attachments, not from a principle of grace or charity, but too natural or too ardent, to anything, however holy, are the great obstacles to the Presence of this Divine Spirit.