Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Inviting the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance.

The Come, Holy Spirit prayer is one of the most ancient invocations of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. It asks the Holy Spirit to fill hearts with His love and to renew the face of the earth — themes that echo the great Pentecost sequence, the Veni Sancte Spiritus.

The Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of Your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit
we may be truly wise
and ever enjoy His consolations,
through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

About This Prayer

The invocation of the Holy Spirit is central to Catholic prayer, liturgy, and sacramental life. The Holy Spirit is invoked at the beginning of all prayer, over the bread and wine at Mass (the epiclesis), in the celebration of every sacrament, and at ordinations and confirmations. This prayer is especially appropriate before reading Scripture or making an important decision.