Near the end of the Easter season, the liturgy of the Church focuses on Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit upon His disciples.  We read in Acts how, after the Ascension of the Lord, the apostles “with one accord, devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (1:14).  Then, on the day of Pentecost, “suddenly a sound came from heaven, like the rush of a mighty wind  . . . and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. . . .” (2:1-4)

One way to prepare for Pentecost is to ask for a renewal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given in the Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is traditionally done through nine days of prayer (a novena) to the Holy Spirit.  This year, I will be doing this novena, and I ask as many of you as possible to join me.  There are copies of the novena at the entrance of the Church, or can can click the link below.  The first day of the novena this year is Friday, May 18.

The Church is very much in need of renewal, and authentic renewal can only be inspired and sustained by the Holy Spirit.  Let us ask the Lord for a new Pentecost.  Let us ask to be transformed powerfully as the first disciples were when the Holy Spirit came into their hearts to orient their lives in a radical way to Christ and His kingdom.