Come, Creator Spirit

Written particularly for the Charismatic Renewal in the English-speaking world, Come, Creator Spirit is a helpful guide for a better understanding of the Holy Spirit. In this detailed commentary on the famous hymn Veni Creator, sung at the beginning of every new year, ecumenical council, and priestly ordination, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa describes the Paraclete and gives praise to its glory. Progressing through the hymn line by line, he provides insights, reflections, hymnography of Christian traditions, and testimonies of the saints.

This book describes the Church's experience of the Spirit of today, as well as the past. The biblical and theological base of the hymn opens the reader to the perspectives and inspirations in this book. Its vision of the Holy Spirit in the history of salvation emerges as the reader progresses through the reading. In the celebration of the ecumenical character of Veni Creator, this book draws from Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic traditions for all those who wish to seek a better understanding of the Holy Spirit.

Chapters are "Spirit, Come!" “Creator,” “Fill with Heavenly Grace the Hearts that You Have Made,” “You Whom We Name the Paraclete,” “Most High Gift of God,” “Living Water,” “Fire,” “Love,” “Anointing for the Soul,” “Sevenfold in Your Gifts,” “Finger of God’s Right Hand,” “The Father’s Solemn Promise,” “Gifting Lips with the Word to Say,” “Kindle Your Light in Our Minds,” “Pour Love into Our Hearts,” “Infirmity in This Body of Ours Overcoming with Strength Secure,” “The Enemy Drive from Us Away,” “Peace Then Give without Delay,” “With You As Guide We Avoid All Cause of Harm,” “Through You May We the Father Know,” “Through You May We Know the Son As Well,” and “And You, the Spirit of Them Both, May We Always Believe.”

Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, taught the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and served on the International Theological Commission. He devotes his ministry to preaching and writing, and from 1980-2024 served as the Preacher to the Papal Household. Cantalamessa is author of Shepherds and Fishermen; Jesus Began to Preach; The Mystery of God's Word; Come, Creator Spirit; Mary: Mirror of the Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; The Mystery of Easter; The Mystery of Pentecost; and Life in Christ; (all published by Liturgical Press).