After Jesus ascended into heaven, Mary and the Apostles prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their prayer of nine days was the first Novena to the Holy Spirit. They were rewarded for their perseverance by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This day marks the birthday of the Church. Prepare your heart for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

A Novena to the Holy Spirit begins on Friday and is nine continuous days of prayer, ending on Pentecost Sunday. It could consist of a simple prayer each, like “Come, Holy Spirit.” Or you could reflect on each gift of the Holy Spirit or pray other prayers. For example, the EWTN website contains a Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts. In it you prayerfully reflect on a different Gift of the Holy Spirit each day.