The Pentecost novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost.

It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength, and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension; Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even when the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.