I found this exquisite little prayer in a book called the Raccolta from 1866. Raccolta, which means “collection” in Italian, is a book of prayers sanctioned by the Catholic Church back in 1807. Abbreviated from “Collection of Prayers and good works for which the Supreme Pontiffs have granted Holy indulgences.”  I would like to thank […]

We, humans, are under attack every day. From fatigue, depression, financial struggles, and marital problems just to name a few. Pharmaceutical companies want you to turn to them for the cure. Alcohol companies want you to find freedom with their new sugary booze. Social media and app companies what you to subscribe to their new […]

The hymn Veni Sancte Spiritus sometimes called the “Golden Sequence,” is sung mostly at Pentecost.  It is a wonderful tribute to the Holy Spirit and is believed to have been written by the archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton, sometime in the 13th century. Light of Every Human Heart Come, O Holy Spirit, come!  From your bright […]

I started this prayer book with my father’s prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to come into my heart and guide my actions.

Another lovely hymn/poem by an unknown but obviously talented author. What I love is how clear the view of how the Holy Spirit is there for the asking, “Guide the steps that go astray.”   From Catholic Hymns by Henry Formby, 1853 now public domain Light immortal, Light divine Holy Spirit, Lord of light, From Thy […]

This tribute to the Holy Spirit is believed to have been written by Robert II, King of France, known as called the Pious, (the wise) Robert was born in the late 900’s, a devout catholic, poet and hymn-writer and helped found a Benedictine monastery located in Noyers.  When I read this troubled and violent history […]

I searched the Catechism of the Catholic Church for references to the Holy Spirit. In section 2670-2672, it mentions this prayer which is formed from a combination of The Roman Missal, Pentecost Sequence, and Byzantine Liturgy, Pentecost Vespers, Troparion. Come Holy Spirit, renew within me the grace of my Baptism and lead me each and […]

I first heard this prayer as I sat in a classroom in Drimnagh Castle Catholic School on the outskirts of Dublin Ireland. The Christian brother who recited the prayer went on to inform us, in no uncertain terms,  “that we should NOT ask God for things because God already knows what we need.”   Recently, […]

Even though this is an old prayer it is very relevant for our time of technology and digital social connectivity, distracting us from the importance of God.  May we all remember to turn off the gadgets and learn to focus on the Blessed Trinity. Holy Ghost, Show Us How to Turn Towards God O most […]