"The first novena we have knowledge of is the one recorded in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. That novena was made in preparation for the coming of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. It was, therefore, a novena in honor of God the Holy Ghost. The persons making this novena were the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Apostles and disciples of our Lord, the holy women and the other faithful believers, in all about one hundred and twenty souls. They represented at that time the entire Church of Jesus Christ. . . . The novena was made at the express command of Jesus Christ, who told them not to depart from Jerusalem until they had received the promised Paraclete. The manner in which this novena was made was by prayer and retirement. It was, in fact, a spiritual retreat. The effects of that novena were simply marvelous. Personally, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They received, moreover, not only the full outpouring of His divine grace, but also very extraordinary gifts and favors. ... If you yourself should at any time stand in need of some special grace of the Holy Ghost, what more efficacious means can you employ than making a novena in honor of the Holy Ghost?" Fr. Fiege, The Paraclete
"While awaiting the coming of the Holy Ghost, Mary prayed not for herself alone, but for the newborn Church, whose mother she was. She prayed for her children, for whom she solicited both human and divine goods. Through her merits and her prayers Almighty God poured forth the Holy Spirit in greater abundance in the Cenacle; and, in like manner, as the Word descended from heaven at her humble consent, so did the Holy Spirit descend from heaven at her humble prayer; according to her own words: "He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid." The disciples followed her example, and humbly asked for the sevenfold Spirit; and their prayer was heard speedily. Let us also imitate her; for she is the pattern for all ages. Mary was the mother of the living; she gathered about her the disciples, who were already living in grace, and who were shortly to receive new gifts of the vivifying Spirit. . . . The Holy Spirit descends on those who are of one mind, because He loves unity, peace and concord. Let us seek peace with our neighbors, under Mary's auspices, and let us look to God to strengthen and confirm our concord." Scotti, Meditations
CALL TO ACTION: Begin a novena to the Holy Ghost.
Only one thing is important ~ eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared ~ sin. With the Holy Ghost's sevenfold gifts, He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God.
Source: "Fountain of Living Water" by Rev. A. A. Lambing LL.D., 1st paragraph - pages 109-110 & 2nd paragraph - pages 62-63; Fr. Pustet & Co. Publishers and Booksellers (copyright 1907); Nihil Obstat: Remigius Lafort, S.T.L., Censor; Imprimatur: John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
Photo by Etienne Girardet