Come, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus)
The ancient sequence for Pentecost Sunday and prayer of invocation to the Holy Spirit, one of the four sequences of the Roman Rite.
Come, Holy Spirit, or Veni Sancte Spiritus, is the ancient sequence for Pentecost Sunday, one of only four sequences kept in the Roman Rite. Its lines, Father of the poor, Light of the heart, Sweet guest of the soul, invite the Spirit to heal, cleanse and guide. It is often sung at Pentecost, and it is a beautiful prayer to say before any important task. It has been prayed for nearly a thousand years. It names the Spirit as Giver of gifts, and asks to wash what is soiled and heal what is wounded. The English is as powerful as the Latin.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayCome, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus)
Come, Holy Spirit, send forth the heavenly radiance of Your light.
Come, Father of the poor; come, giver of gifts; come, light of the heart.
Greatest comforter, sweet guest of the soul, sweet consolation.
In labor, rest; in heat, temperance; in tears, solace.
O most blessed Light, fill the inmost heart of Your faithful.
Without Your grace, there is nothing in us, nothing that is not harmful.
Cleanse that which is sordid; water that which is arid; heal that which is injured.
Bend that which is inflexible; fire that which is chilled; correct what goes astray.
Give to Your faithful, those who trust in You, the sevenfold gifts.
Grant the reward of virtue; grant the deliverance of salvation; grant eternal joy. Amen. Alleluia.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray Come, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus)?
Pray it at Pentecost, before decisions and at the start of a meeting.
How do I pray Come, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus)?
Read it slowly, or sing it, and pause after each petition.
Who is Come, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus) for?
Confirmation candidates, students, leaders and parish teams.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play