The Power of Pentecost

One of the things I love about being Catholic is that we get to celebrate Easter not just for a day but for 50 days! And we even get to celebrate the birthday of the Church — our birthday as a Church — together every year on Pentecost Sunday.

Pentecost is, in fact, the feast of all feasts. And it is when we recall the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are reminded of how great Jesus’ love for us is — SO great that He did not leave us “orphans,” but gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate, Guide, and Helper.

I love what is said in the Sequence every Pentecost Sunday Mass, and I pray that, as you read the words below, and maybe even watch the video below, you will discover (or rediscover!) the amazing power of Pentecost!

Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Ascribed to Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury (+ 1228)

Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,
From the clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give.

Come, Thou Father of the poor,
Come, with treasures which endure;
Come, Thou Light of all that live!

Thou, of all consolers best,
Thou, the soul’s delightful guest,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.

Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.

Light immortal, Light divine,
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.

If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew,
Wash the stains of guilt away.

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.

Thou, on us who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore,
With Thy sevenfold gifts descend.

Give us comfort when we die;
Give us life with Thee on high;
Give us joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.

Happy Birthday, Church! 🙂