The Ascension of the Lord
Pope Leo XIII issued a special novena for Catholics to say during the nine days following Ascension Thursday, to prepare for the coming of the Spirit, whom Jesus called "the Comforter."
First Day
Come, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Lifegiver; take up your dwelling within my soul, and make of it your sacred temple. Make me live by grace as an adopted son of God. Pervade all the powers of my soul, and create in me a fountain of living water springing up into life everlasting. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Second Day
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of the earth. Show me the way by which I may be able to attain to them and possess them, and hold them hereafter, my own forever. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Third Day
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 your light; and in the light of glory to have the clear vision of you and the Father and the Son. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Fourth Day
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do your holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good, turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the path of your Commandments to the goal of eternal life for which I long. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Fifth Day
Come, O Spirit of Fortitude, and give fortitude to our souls. Make our hearts strong in all trials and in all distress, pouring forth abundantly into them the gifts of strength, that we may be able to resist the attacks of the devil. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Sixth Day
Come, O Spirit of Knowledge and make us understand and despise the emptiness and nothingness of the world. Give us grace to use the world only for your glory and the salvation of your creatures. May we always be very faithful in putting your rewards before every earthly gift. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Seventh Day
Come, O Spirit of Piety, possess my heart, incline it to a true faith in you, to a holy love of you, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek you, and find you my best, my truest joy. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Eighth Day
Come, O Spirit of holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever; and shun off things that can offend you, so that I may be made worthy to appear before the pure eyes of your divine Majesty in the heaven of heavens, where you live and reign in the unity of the ever-blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
Ninth Day
Come, O Holy Comforter, and grant us a relish for heavenly things. Produce in our souls the flowers and fruits of virtue, so that, being filled with all sweetness and joy in the pursuit of good, we may attain unto eternal blessedness. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, etc.
