The Novena to the Holy Spirit is a nine-day Catholic devotion in honor of the Holy Spirit. It is considered the model of all novenas, as the apostles prayed for nine days from the Ascension to Pentecost, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. Throughout this novena, the faithful meditate on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, asking for the grace of a profound spiritual renewal and the outpouring of the seven divine gifts. It is a traditional prayer that prepares the heart for the feast of Pentecost, imploring the Paraclete (the Divine Comforter) to enlighten, strengthen, and sanctify souls, just as He did with the early Church at the first Pentecost.
This novena is prayed for nine consecutive days, traditionally between the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost (starting the Friday after the Ascension). Each day begins with the Act of Contrition, followed by the daily initial prayer to the Holy Spirit. Then, the intention and reflection specific to that day are read, and the corresponding prayer is recited. To conclude the day, the daily final prayer can be said. It is recommended, during the novena, to go to confession and participate in the Eucharist to prepare the soul for the graces of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the nine days, the litany of the Holy Spirit is prayed with its verse and final prayer.
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