FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 18, 2008)--Beginning on Thursday, May 1 (Solemnity of the Ascension), to Saturday, May 10 (day before Pentecost), believers from all over the world are invited to participate in a worldwide novena for a renewed descent of the Holy Spirit, a "New Pentecost," for our day.

International lay leaders, as well as cardinals, bishops, clergy, and religious have given their support to this Pentecost prayer novena. Among the most noteworthy supporters are Mother Angelica, foundress of the worldwide Catholic network EWTN; Ambassador Howard Dee, former Vatican ambassador from the Philippines; Michael O'Brien, renowned Canadian novelist and social commentator; and Sister Briege McKenna, O.S.C., an Irish Sister of St. Clare, who has an international ministry to priests and bishops.

As part of the Pentecost Novena, participants are called to pray the Rosary, along with their choice of prayers calling for a new descent of the Holy Spirit into the hearts of all peoples through the intercession of Mary, Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate.

During his recent papal visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI specifically requested to implore God for a “new Pentecost for the Church in America”: “As we give thanks for these precious past blessings, and look to the challenges of the future, let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America. May tongues of fire, combining burning love of God and neighbor with zeal for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, descend on all present” (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, April 19, 2008).  This novena seeks to respond to Pope Benedict in imploring the grace of a new Pentecost for the entire Church and world in our presently threatening global situation.

2008 Worldwide Pentecost Novena

Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 10

For a Renewed Descent of the Holy Spirit in Our Day

“As we give thanks for past blessings, and look to the challenges of the future, let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America. May tongues of fire, combining burning love of God and neighbor with zeal for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, descend on all present.”

Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to the United States, April 19, 2008

Our world is in great danger. It is under constant threat from unprecedented acts of terrorism and war, disasters of nature, economic crises, mass hunger, moral decline, attacks on human rights and the sanctity of human life.

As people of faith, we know we are engaged in a colossal battle between the Gospel of Life and the "culture of death." We are deeply concerned, but not without hope. More and more people realize that our world needs conversion. More and more people realize that our efforts alone will not be enough. We need the help of heaven.

As the great feast of Pentecost approaches, this is the opportune time for a mass appeal to the Lord to send again and anew His Holy Spirit over our wounded world. Let us respond to and extend the call of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for a “new Pentecost” for the entire Church and world.

This is the time to gather around Mary, as the Apostles did in the Upper Room 2,000 years ago, in praying for a New Pentecost in our day. We share the deep inspiration that the Lord entrusted our time and our world in a special way to the Immaculate Heart of His Mother. Remembering her promises, we make an urgent call on her motherly advocacy. Through the power of her maternal intercession as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate, the Lord will work miracles and send His Holy Spirit.

Please join us in praying the Pentecost Novena Prayer, starting Thursday, May 1 (Solemnity of the Ascension) to Saturday, May 10 (day before the Solemnity of Pentecost).

Pray every day the Holy Rosary.

Add to it from among these prayers:

"Come Holy Spirit, come through Mary."

Pray the following powerful prayer:

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father,

send now your Spirit over the earth.

Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations,

that they may be preserved

from degeneration, disaster and war.

May the Lady of All Nations,

the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our Advocate. Amen."

The beautiful Pentecost prayer of the Church:

"Veni Sancte Spiritus…"

Pray as your heart leads you …

Prayer can change the world. Prayer is great in the eyes of the Lord and will also lift up your own life. International lay leaders, as well as cardinals, bishops, clergy, and religious have given their support to the prayer novena. Among the most noteworthy supporters are Mother Angelica, foundress of the worldwide Catholic network EWTN; Ambassador Howard Dee, former Vatican ambassador from the Philippines; Michael O'Brien, renowned Canadian novelist and social commentator; and Sister Briege McKenna, O.S.C., an Irish Sister of St. Clare, who has an international ministry to priests and bishops.

Please join us. Time is short. Let us use this time of mercy!  Please feel free to distribute and translate this flyer.