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Gifts of the Holy Spirit
During our April Faith Formation gatherings, we discussed the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. One of the ways we discover the Holy Spirit in our lives is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we are given at Baptism. These are strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Some of the gifts of the Spirit have more than one name, and that can cause some confusion! This short article from the Catholic Diocese of Portland described the gifts of the Spirit and lists both alternative lists of names to help us understand.
During our April Faith Formation gatherings, we discussed the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. One of the ways we discover the Holy Spirit in our lives is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we are given at Baptism. These are strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Some of the gifts of the Spirit have more than one name, and that can cause some confusion! This short article from the Catholic Diocese of Portland described the gifts of the Spirit and lists both alternative lists of names to help us understand.
Explore the Trinity Through Art
When we talk about the Holy Spirit, the subject of the Holy Trinity is bound to come up. The teaching of one God in three Persons is a profound mystery that we continue to unpack all of our lives. Sometimes that which is difficult to express in words can be pondered through art. In this case, our presenter for April invited us to consider a famous icon of the Trinity. It is by Andrei Rublev, and was made in the 15th century.
Icons are artistic depictions of stories or holy figures from the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions. When an artist creates an icon, it is said to have been written, not drawn, because it tells a story. They are very rich in symbolism -- every line and shape and choice of color, etc. tells us something about the story. Here is one explanation of this famous icon by Rublev, to help us understand some of the symbols.
When we talk about the Holy Spirit, the subject of the Holy Trinity is bound to come up. The teaching of one God in three Persons is a profound mystery that we continue to unpack all of our lives. Sometimes that which is difficult to express in words can be pondered through art. In this case, our presenter for April invited us to consider a famous icon of the Trinity. It is by Andrei Rublev, and was made in the 15th century.
Icons are artistic depictions of stories or holy figures from the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions. When an artist creates an icon, it is said to have been written, not drawn, because it tells a story. They are very rich in symbolism -- every line and shape and choice of color, etc. tells us something about the story. Here is one explanation of this famous icon by Rublev, to help us understand some of the symbols.
pRay
Holy Spirit Prayer of St. Augustine
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
That I always may be holy.
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
That I always may be holy.