# Love Is Our Mission – Invocation of the Spirit of Love
*2015-09-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Januarius, shares news of Pope Francis’ upcoming U.S. visits, and leads a prayer invoking the Spirit of Love for the Church and the world.

## Feast of St. Januarius

Today we celebrate St. Januarius, a third‑century bishop and martyr. According to tradition, he was arrested, thrown into a den with lions, yet no animal would touch him. He was later beheaded. In Naples a vial of his blood is kept, and on three days each year it is said to liquefy—a mystery that science cannot explain.

## Pope Francis in the News

I recently spoke with the local ABC Channel 10 affiliate about Pope Francis’ trip to Cuba, which is only about 90 miles from South Florida. Next week he will travel to Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia. I’m grateful for the chance to see him in Washington, D.C., and I’ll share a link to the interview for anyone who wants to listen.

## God Is Love

In May 2013 Pope Francis reminded us that “God is love.” This is not a sentimental, emotional love, but the love of the Father, the source of all life; the love of the Son, who died on the Cross; and the love of the Holy Spirit, who renews humanity and the world. Because God is love, we are called to love others, giving ourselves as Jesus gave Himself to us.

## Invocation of the Spirit of Love

Come, O Spirit of Love, and renew the face of the earth. Grant that all things may become a new garden of grace, holiness, justice, communion, and peace, so that the Most Holy Trinity may be loved and glorified.

Come, O Spirit of Love, and renew the whole Church, bringing her to perfection in love, unity, and holiness, that she may become a great light illuminating all peoples in darkness.

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, open our hearts to comprehend the whole truth. With the holy fire of your divine strength, root out error and sweep away heresies, that the light of truth revealed by Jesus may shine fully on everyone.

Come, O Spirit of Counsel and Courage, grant us the courage to be witnesses of the Gospel. Strengthen those who are persecuted, those suffering discrimination, those in prison, and those crushed by torture. Grant victory to those who suffer martyrdom.

Come, O Spirit of Knowledge, Reverence, and Awe, and with the fire of your divine love, renew the lives of all who have been consecrated through Baptism, sealed in Confirmation, and who serve as bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may cooperate in the plan you seek to fulfill in these times—a renewed Pentecost we have long awaited. Amen.

*May the Spirit of Love transform our hearts, our Church, and the world into a radiant garden of grace and justice.*