Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier (1851-1926), Archbishop of Mechelen in Belgium, was a philosopher, a pastor, and a symbol of courage during the First World War. He recommended this brief prayer as "the secret of sanctity and happiness," promising peace to anyone who would quiet the imagination for five minutes each day, enter into the sanctuary of the soul, and speak to the Holy Spirit in these words. Pray it every day in a moment of silence, especially when you need guidance,

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the Dominican theologian and Doctor of the Church, is patron of students, schools, and universities. He is said to have prayed this prayer, known from its Latin opening as Creator ineffabilis, before he studied, wrote, or preached. It asks God to lift the double darkness of sin and ignorance and to give the gifts every learner needs: sharp understanding, a good memory, method, and clear expression. Students often pray it before homework, lectur

In Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens the baptized with His seven gifts and sends them out as witnesses of Christ. Preparation can take months, and candidates, whether teens in a parish program or adults entering the Church, benefit greatly from the prayers of family, sponsors, catechists, and parishioners. This prayer asks the Holy Spirit to fill candidates with faith, hope, and charity and to make them faithful witnesses. Pray it through the preparation period, at a

The Veni Creator Spiritus is one of the great hymns of the Church. It was written in Latin in the ninth century and is traditionally attributed to Rabanus Maurus, a Benedictine monk and archbishop of Mainz. It is sung at Pentecost, at ordinations and confirmations, at the start of a papal conclave, and whenever the Church asks for the light of the Holy Spirit. The English version here is Edward Caswall's well-known translation, "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest." Pray or sing

Begin a novena to the Holy Spirit with this traditional invocation for His seven gifts. The Prayer O Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore Thee as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I bless and thank Thee for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me. Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and teach me to seek God. Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten my mind. Come, O Spirit of Counsel, and make me docile. Come, O Spirit of Fortitude, and give me strength. Come,

At Pentecost we ask for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and our hearts. The Prayer O God, Who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Traditional Pentecost collect; classic English, public domain. If these prayers help you, you can support Daily Catholic Prayers,

"Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful" is one of the oldest and most loved invocations of the Holy Spirit. It is the opening of an antiphon sung in the Church's liturgy around Pentecost, and it is usually followed by the versicle "Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created; and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth" and a short collect. The image of fire recalls the tongues of flame that rested on the Apostles in the Upper Room (Acts 2:3). Pray it before s

Students and workers have long asked the Holy Spirit for light before study or important labor. The Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ

The Golden Sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus is the traditional Pentecost sequence. This classic English translation is public domain. The Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, send forth the heavenly radiance of Thy light. Come, father of the poor, come, giver of gifts, come, light of the heart. Greatest comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet consolation. In labor, rest, in heat, temperateness, in tears, solace. O most blessed light, fill the inmost heart of Thy faithful. Without Thy gra