By Sr. Fidelis
Our Advocate
Known as the Golden Sequence, Veni, Sancte Spiritus is a stunning chant, sung directly after the Alleluia on the day of Pentecost. It was most likely written by Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canturbury in the early 1200’s. The text is an array of attributes of the Holy Spirit, as well as an outpouring of supplications and acknowledgment of our great need for this most gracious Guest. Listen to this prayer sung to the third Member of the Trinity.
Come, Holy Spirit, and send forth by heavenly direction a ray of your light.
Come, father of the poor, come giver of gifts, come light of hearts.
O best comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet refreshment.
In labor, rest; in heat, coolness; in tears, solace.
O most blessed light, fill the deepest places of the heart of your faithful.
Without your consent, there is nothing in man, nothing is innocent.
Wash what is soiled, water what is arid, heal what is wounded.
Bend what is rigid, warm what is cold, make straight what is devious.
Give to your faithful, who trust in you, the sevenfold gift.
Give the reward of virtue, give the final end of salvation; give us perennial joy. Amen.
