Traditional Catholic Novena

Novena to the Holy Ghost

The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, deeper docility to grace, strength in trial, and renewal of the interior life.

God the Holy Ghost is traditionally invoked as patron of wisdom, guidance, Pentecost graces, strength to do God’s will.

9 daysFeast: Pentecost0 of 9 days marked complete

The Pentecost, El Greco, c. 1596-1600

Pray This Novena

Start with day 1

Begin the novena now, move one day at a time, and come back here whenever you are ready for the next day.

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About This Novena

This novena stands close to the oldest Christian instinct behind novena prayer itself: the nine days of waiting between the Ascension of Our Lord and Pentecost. Catholics have long turned to the Holy Ghost in this way to ask not only for help in one urgent need, but for the deeper gifts that shape the whole spiritual life: wisdom, counsel, fortitude, understanding, knowledge, piety, and holy fear.

Traditionally prayed for

Often prayed for wisdom, guidance, Pentecost graces, and strength to do God’s will.

Usual timing

The day after Ascension Thursday through the vigil of Pentecost

Private intention

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Day 1 of 9

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Day 1: The Sevenfold Spirit

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all our sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

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After Each Day

Main novena prayer

Daily Conclusion

Repeated prayer cue

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's.

Often said for

wisdomguidancePentecost gracesstrength to do God’s will

Traditional Catholic Novena

Novena to the Holy Ghost

Day 1 of 9

Day 1: The Sevenfold Spirit

Today's prayer

Pray after the main text

Daily Conclusion

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's.

Traditional Catholic Novena

Novena to the Holy Ghost

God the Holy Ghost

9 daysFeast: Pentecost

Often prayed for the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, deeper docility to grace, strength in trial, and renewal of the interior life.

After Each Day

Daily Conclusion

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's.

Day 1

Day 1: The Sevenfold Spirit

Day 2

Day 2: Holy Fear

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Day 3

Day 3: Piety

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Day 4

Day 4: Fortitude

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in times of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Day 5

Day 5: Knowledge

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Day 6

Day 6: Understanding

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Day 7

Day 7: Counsel

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.

Day 8

Day 8: Wisdom

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all passing joys and satisfactions of the earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Day 9

Day 9: Heavenly Fruits

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.