Prayer Resources · Common Prayers
Veni Sancte Spiritus
The Pentecost sequence invoking the light, consolation, healing, and gifts of the Holy Spirit
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Veni Sancte Spiritus—‘Come, Holy Spirit’—is the sequence of Pentecost. Its images speak to the real needs of disciples: light in darkness, rest in labor, healing in woundedness, and guidance when we stray.
The Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from Thy celestial home shed a ray of light divine.
Come, Father of the poor; come, source of all our store; come, within our bosoms shine.
Thou, of comforters the best; Thou, the soul’s most welcome guest; sweet refreshment here below.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew; on our dryness pour Thy dew; wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will; melt the frozen, warm the chill; guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful who adore and confess Thee, evermore in Thy sevenfold gift descend. Give them virtue’s sure reward; give them Thy salvation, Lord; give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.
Important Catholic Boundary
This sequence asks for sanctifying grace and the Spirit’s gifts. It is not a method for pursuing extraordinary manifestations or treating private impulses as unquestionable messages from God.
Images Worth Praying Slowly
- Light: ask where truth is needed.
- Guest: welcome God into ordinary responsibilities.
- Rest and refreshment: entrust exhaustion to Him.
- Healing and warmth: present wounds and coldness honestly.
- Guidance: surrender the path that has gone astray.
A Pentecost Practice
Pray one stanza each day during the week before Pentecost. Pair it with a passage from Acts of the Apostles and one act that builds communion in the Church.
The Spirit sends disciples into mission. Prayer to Him should make us more truthful, courageous, charitable, and ready to witness to Christ.
A Catholic Practice Plan
Before beginning, name the grace you need; after praying, choose one act of cooperation with that grace.
Sources and Editorial Notes
This page is self-contained. These open sources are supplied for verification and deeper study.
- Wikisource: Veni Creator Spiritus
Public-domain English devotional text from an historical Catholic collection. - Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
Official principles for devotions in harmony with Scripture and the sacred liturgy.
Traditional public devotional text; commentary is original to CatholicG33k.