prayers
This is for all of my Catholic friends (no offense to the rest of you but I don't think you'd be interested). My church is participating in a Novena with many other churches for the election of the next Pope. All you do is say these prayers each day until April 17, when the conclave of cardinals begins. They consist of three prayers: the Veni Creator (Come Holy Ghost) and two shorter prayers (one is only one sentence long). Anyway, it would be wonderful if you all want to take part. Here are the prayers:
1) Veni Creator - text printed below
Come Holy Ghost Creator, come
From thy bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine Own!
Thou Who art called the Paraclete
Best gift of God above,
The Living Spring, the Living Fire,
Sweet Unction, and true Love!
Thou who are sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His Promise, teaching little ones,
To speak and understand!
O guide our minds with Thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame,
And with Thy strength, which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe
Beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee the Eternal Son,
And Thee the Spirit of them both--
Thrice blessed Three in One.
Now to the Father, and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
With Thee, O Holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
2) O Lord, with suppliant humility, we entreat Thee, that in Thy boundless mercy Thou wouldst grant the most holy Roman Church a pontiff, who by his zeal for us, may be pleasing to Thee, and by his good government may ever be honored by Thy people for the glory of Thy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
3) Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!
1) Veni Creator - text printed below
Come Holy Ghost Creator, come
From thy bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine Own!
Thou Who art called the Paraclete
Best gift of God above,
The Living Spring, the Living Fire,
Sweet Unction, and true Love!
Thou who are sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God's right hand,
His Promise, teaching little ones,
To speak and understand!
O guide our minds with Thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame,
And with Thy strength, which ne'er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe
Beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee the Eternal Son,
And Thee the Spirit of them both--
Thrice blessed Three in One.
Now to the Father, and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
With Thee, O Holy Comforter,
Henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
2) O Lord, with suppliant humility, we entreat Thee, that in Thy boundless mercy Thou wouldst grant the most holy Roman Church a pontiff, who by his zeal for us, may be pleasing to Thee, and by his good government may ever be honored by Thy people for the glory of Thy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
3) Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!