I returned to a familiar topic for my First Saturday talk on April 6, 2019, at St. Clement.  Similar to the Faith Friday talk in Denver, I discussed the Holy Spirit and his connection to the Virgin Mary, according to St. Maximilian Kolbe.  But more secondary sources were included.  This presentation was required by my spring class on the Holy Spirit.  This expanded the parish mission talk in Weymouth.

Here is the presentation outline:

1. Connection between the Holy Spirit and Mary.
2. So what?  Are you aware of the Spirit in your life?
3. Now what?   Ask Mary help you know the Spirit.  Pray to the Spirit.  Read about the Spirit.

The feedback from the audience has been a huge help.  As the research continues on this thesis topic, the delivery and the explanations will improve.

Here are some tips from the talk on how to be more aware of the Holy Spirit in your life:

Pray to the Holy Spirit

1. “Come, Holy Spirit” or the longer version.
2. Ask for the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, especially in the sacraments.
3. Short prayers for help
   • Listening: “Holy Spirit, help me understand what this person is saying.”
   • Talking: “Holy Spirit, give me the right words to say.”
   • Writing: “Holy Spirit, give me the words that nourishes as a good meal.”

Read about the Spirit.

1. Dominum et Vivificatem: St. John Paul II’s 1986 encyclical on the Holy Spirit.
2. Archbishop Martinez’s book The Sanctifier.
3. Read the book of Acts of the Apostles and observe how the Holy Spirit is operating.

Come, Holy Spirit, come.