Contemplative Haven

Beautiful.

Fun.

In his book, “Hildegard of Bingen: Healing and the Nature of the Cosmos”, author Heinrich Schipperges writes:

A continuous “celestial liturgy” dominated Hildegard’s artistic creations. According to her, this liturgy was sung in perfect unison (una voce) and would continue forever (sine fine) with voices alternating (alter ad alterum) in an eternal responsory. Humanity and the cosmos existed in unique musical concord, bringing all people’s hearts into consonance (anima symphonialis est) and serving not only as a guide to healthy living but as the basis of an effective system of healing and therapy. All the arts were divinely inspired, “and therefore it is only fitting that body and soul sing hymns of praise through the voice of God.” [page 19]

I will be posting more later on my thoughts surrounding Hildegard’s statement that music should serve “not only as a guide to healthy living but as the basis of an effective system of healing and therapy”, but for now I would like to leave you with this beautiful artistic performance, in which I’m sure Hildegard takes great delight:

For a friend, a hard-working faith-filled loving husband and father of young children, travelling that often lonely path of a world-weary mystic.   

When I was little I used to climb to the top of the bay tree beside our house to hide from everyone and be with my God.  His beautiful creation still provides peace and solitude, but I know now that He Himself is my hiding place, and most especially His Sacred Heart.

On the faithful who in You,
Trust with childlike piety,
Deign Your sevenfold gift to send.
Give them virtue’s rich increase,
Saving grace to die in peace,
Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.

Send down upon me, I beseech You, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, that, inspired and encouraged by Him, I may comply with the duties of my state, carry my crosses patiently, and grow daily in Christian perfection. Grant me, through the same Divine Spirit, the intentions of this Novena or what is most conducive to my eternal salvation and Your glory. Amen.

[From: Favorite Novenas to the Holy Spirit, by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.]

Novena Music:

Spiritus Domini [14] – Gregorian Chant

Bend the stubborn heart and will,
Melt the frozen, warm the chill,
Guide the steps that go astray.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, come into my heart. Give to all peoples the brightness of Your light, that they may be well pleasing to You in unity of faith. Amen.

[From: Favorite Novenas to the Holy Spirit, by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.]

Novena Music:

Holy Spirit

Cleanse our souls from sinful stain,
Lave our dryness with Your rain,
Heal our wounds and mend our way.

Burn up, O Lord, my reins and heart in the fire of the Holy Spirit; that chaste of body and clean of heart, my service may be well pleasing to You. Amen.

[From: Favorite Novenas to the Holy Spirit, by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.]

Novena Music:  [It's gorgeous, and even if you don't speak French, I think you will understand much of it.]

Viens Saint Esprit

Nothing good by man is thought,
Nothing right by him is wrought,
When he spurns Your gracious Will.

Send down, I beseech You, O Lord, the Holy Spirit in His might, to the merciful purifying of my heart and to my sure deliverance from all danger. Amen.

[From: Favorite Novenas to the Holy Spirit, by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.]

Novena Music:

Spirit of the Living God (Eden’s Bridge)

O most blessed Light Divine,
Let Your radiance in us shine,
And our inmost being fill.

May the Paraclete, Who proceeds from You, enlighten my mind, I beseech You, O Lord; and even as Your Son has promised, may He lead me into all truth.  Amen.

[From: Favorite Novenas to the Holy Spirit, by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.]

Novena Music:

Come, Gracious Spirit