A Novena simply means nine days of prayer.
Pentecost Novenas are held between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday, when many people and churches join together in prayer. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are asking churches to pray for the evangelisation of the nation during the week before Pentecost Sunday.
Premier Christian Radio is praying each day for different groups of people, such as leaders, refugees and young people.
AnEcumenical Pentecost 2016 Novena Prayer Serviceis being promoted here in the Northampton Diocese, so that prayers are said each day in different churches for the Holy Spirit to renew us, and our church, and our whole world.
More details on the Ecumenical Events page
The violin music Veni Creator Spiritus is based on a prayer to the Holy Spirit, first sung in the 9th century at Pentecost.
The theme of this year’s pilgrimage from Northampton Diocese to Walsingham was Mary. Woman of Silence. There was little time for silence for the musicians except when Bishop Peter invited everyone to be silent for a minute during the Mass. That was a very prayerful moment.
The singers and instrumentalists came from Bedford, Milton Keynes and Wellingborough and joined with others from St Aidan’s, St Gregory’s and the Cathedral Choir in Northampton to lead the singing in the Reconciliation Chapel. Music List here
Walsingham 2015 These fantastic musicians all understand music as a ministry, and they led the singing at the two services very beautifully. It made all the preparations and rehearsals worthwhile!
Having been to Walsingham many times over the years, there are now signs that Something Big is happening in Walsingham, with plans for a new retreat centre, Conference centre and a Catholic Media hub as well as completing the restoration of the Slipper Chapel Shrine, all within the next three years. Details here www.walsinghamdevelopment.org
Changes have already begun, and the Holy Ghost Chapel looks completely different now. For the sake of nostalgia, this is what is used to be like.
Holy Ghost chapel Walsingham 2014
Perhaps for health and safety reasons, all the candles that used to be lit in this part of the shrine are now reduced down to one candlestand.
Next, in Northampton, the Sion Community are leading a mission at Sacred Heart Church. The mission theme is ‘I have called you by your name’ and the music will be led by Gerry Markland, who wrote the song ‘Do not be afraid…. for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine.’
School Pastor Karen had news of a second school taking part, Adam Eakins talked of the success of AHoF in the park, Joe Story shared some plans for a really useful charity shop – no wonder he looks happy! Steve challenged everyone with John 17… so that the world may believe; we added the names of churches to the cross and prayed “may they all be one”.
HOLY SPIRIT A REFLECTION in Music and Prayer “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NRSV) Where in my life do I need the help of the Holy Spirit? As I listen to the song Show me your way I pray for the help that I need. (Click on the arrow at the top left of the audio player.) “Holy…
FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD A REFLECTION in Music and Prayer: Since 9/11, the need to pray for peace in the world has become more and more urgent. Think of the countries where there is no peace. Think of the places that are in the news today because there is no peace. As you listen to the music of In Search of Peace, imagine walking through those streets with Jesus. What would his prayer be to his father for these people, those children, their families? (Click…
PEACE A REFLECTION in Music and Prayer: Lord, make me a channel of your peace… but how can I say that, if there is someone I am not at peace with? I think of them now, and ask God to bless them. As I listen to the music of The Watermark, can I continue to think of them and slowly pray the Prayer of St Francis? (Click on the arrow at the top left of this audio player) Lord, make me a channel of your peace, that…
TRUST IN GOD A REFLECTION in Words and Music: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV) Read the following psalm verses slowly as you listen to the music of Galilee on the audio player below. (Click on the arrow at the top left of the player) “Trust in the Lord and do good, so you will live in the land…
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are asking churches to pray for the evangelisation of the nation during the week before Pentecost Sunday.
Read and reflect more on the Holy Spirit
