Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 1

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena
leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the
Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling
on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. John 17:21: "My
prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you
protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as
I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth. As
you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. For
their sake I sanctify myself, that they too may be sanctified by
the truth." O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the
descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask
you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them
wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may
listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to
discern your holy will. Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect
and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great
love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards
you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your
Church ever closer to you. We pray, in Jesus’ name, together with
the intercession of Mary and all the Saints. “Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of
your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and
you shall renew the face of the earth.”