Today is the Feast of Christ the King!
Up until Vatican II the Feast of Christ the King had always been celebrated on this day, the last Sunday of October, in the middle of the time after Pentecost. After Vatican II the liturgical calendar underwent major revisions, one of which was moving the Feast of Christ the King to the last Sunday of the liturgical year (the Sunday before the first Sunday of Advent). The placement of this feast is important because as traditionally celebrated it is symbolic of Christ's Kingship happening now, during our lives, or it should be if it is properly acknowledged. But placed at the very end of the church year it may be recognized as symbolic of Christ's kingship coming at the end of all things. Certainly we do not await His Kingship!
It is also fitting that in the United States it happens that this Feast day falls a week or so before major national and local elections, for indeed, Christ's social Kingship should always significantly influence the Catholic voter in the voting booth. And so it is today that a Novena to the Holy Ghost is offered on the cusp of our national election. May Christ truly reign in our hearts and in our country.
NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come.
From thy bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine Own!
Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The Living Spring, The Living Fire,
Sweet Unction, and True Love!
Thou who art sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His Promise, teaching little ones
To speak and understand!
O guide our minds with thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame,
And with thy strength, which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe,
Beneath thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee the Eternal Son,
And Thee the Spirit of them both --
Thrice blessed Three in One.
Now to the Father, and the Son
Who rose from death, be glory given,
With Thee, O Holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray:
O God, who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the
Holy Ghost, grant us in the same spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. Immaculate Heart of Mary. (x3)
R. Pray for us.
V. St. Pius X
R. Pray for us.
From thy bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine Own!
Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The Living Spring, The Living Fire,
Sweet Unction, and True Love!
Thou who art sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His Promise, teaching little ones
To speak and understand!
O guide our minds with thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame,
And with thy strength, which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe,
Beneath thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee the Eternal Son,
And Thee the Spirit of them both --
Thrice blessed Three in One.
Now to the Father, and the Son
Who rose from death, be glory given,
With Thee, O Holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray:
O God, who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the
Holy Ghost, grant us in the same spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. Immaculate Heart of Mary. (x3)
R. Pray for us.
V. St. Pius X
R. Pray for us.
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