Come Holy Spirit bring us your gift of Love

Until recently we used to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on a Thursday which was 40 days after Easter.  The Friday after the Ascension then marked 9 days to the Feast of Pentecost.  This was a time of waiting for the Apostles who Jesus had left with the promise that he would send him a helper and comforter to be with them - the Holy Spirit.

Image of the Ascension by Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337), Cappella Scrovegni a Padova, Ascension

Novena to the Holy Spirit
Today we start a novena (nine days of prayer) remembering especially the young people in our parish and this year our deanery who will be confirmed at the 6.30pm Mass on the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday 8th June.  

2014 Confirmandi group looking at
world map of modern day martyrs

For a past post about What is a novena? and a link to a novena from St Charles Borromeo Church
For a link to a full novena to the Holy Spirit that focuses on the the Holy Spirit and sainthood.  We will use these themes for our own simple reflection.  

Fruit of the Holy Spirit - Charity - Love  
Scripture reading 1 Corinthians 13

Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to save us all.  We ask you send your gift of love to us.  May we love God and our neighbour like the Saints and Martyrs who are with the Father and Jesus in heaven. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.