Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
Novena Day One: Friday, 6th Week of Easter
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Spirit
Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin! Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for 'The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.'
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary once
Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On
my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and
the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In
You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by
unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the
smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant
that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and
follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You
and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and
trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken
Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep
me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace, O Holy
Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and
everywhere, 'Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.' Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
Friday in the Octave of the Ascension
PENTECOST
NOVENA-St. Damien Of Molokai
Acts,
Chapter 18, verse 9-10
9 One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be AFRAID.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you. No
one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
When we remain silent in
the presence of evil, out of fear, this is wrong. Our Lord suffers with every
injustice. We must speak out against evil our Lord tells us, “Go on speaking,
and do not be silent, for I am with you.”
One such evil is the
murder of the unborn. The good news is we can do something.
"Silence in the face of
evil is itself evil.
God will not hold us
guiltless.
Not to speak is to speak.
Not to act is to act" ~
Deitrich
Bonhoeffer.
The Virtue of Intolerance[1]
Intolerance has a bad
reputation. And with good reason too. Still, I’m not so sure it should be thrown
out with the bathwater quite yet. As a matter of fact, I’m actually an advocate of having a
good healthy dose of it.
Surprised?
Keep
reading. I think you’ll
agree.
You see, the problem with intolerance is not
so much the intolerance per se as much as what our intolerance is directed at. It’s the object of intolerance that
makes it a moral issue. Change the object and the morality of your intolerance
changes too. There are certainly things in life we should tolerate like human
differences, the incessant questions from children, clumsy attempts by
good-meaning people to offer help, bad fashion and the like. But there are
times when intolerance is an outright virtue. Read on to see what I mean …
10 Things Worthy of Our Intolerance
1. Be Intolerant of Naysayers
Pursuing our dreams and
reaching our goals are hard enough on their own. Trying to swim upstream as
others throw rocks at us makes it unnecessarily harder. So be wary of sharing
your goals with those who habitually doubt and criticize and put down. Wet blankets
are wet blankets no matter what the relationship. Choose who you confide in
wisely. Those who tolerate
pessimism (from themselves or others) are those who volunteer to climb the
mountain of life with one arm tied behind their back and one leg cut off.
Still, don’t
confuse pessimism with wisdom or prudence. Optimism is not intellectual
laziness. Positive thinking does not grant absolution from responsibility or
honest self-evaluation of your assets, abilities and commitment. It doesn’t excuse you from the hard work of
preparation. Optimists still buy life insurance. But where pessimism itself is creating deep caverns of
difficulty between you and your dreams, a quiet and respectful yet sturdy and
firm intolerance may be the most appropriate response.
2.
Be Intolerant of Hate
Don’t tolerate racist jokes and
comments. Don’t
accept hateful barbs thrown at you or others. Never look the other way or
excuse the bully regardless of the bully’s
background. To do otherwise is
to enable and empower the hate, to turn your back on the bullied, give tacit
approval to the intolerable behavior and abandon its object to a miserable
fate. Don’t
tolerate your own hate either. Hatred
is a cancer that must be removed before it metastasizes into the bone marrow of
your soul. But be careful not to accuse every disagreement as
being motivated by hate. Be tolerant of opposing ideas even if
intolerant of the hate that may motivate some who articulate them.
3. Be Intolerant of Dishonesty
Don’t accept lies. Period. Don’t tell them. Don’t accept them. Live your life in
such a way as to not feel the need to hide behind them. Don’t
allow others (or yourself) the opportunity to nestle into their own cowardice.
That is, after all, what lying is. It’s an attempt to get around the
consequences of our decisions. Or perhaps it’s a way to avoid the overreaction
of someone close or who has authority over us. Even so, have the courage to let
the person overreacting choose how to deal with an honest life, not a pretended
one. Then have the courage to accept their response.
4. Be Intolerant of Hypocrisy
Do
you expect from others what you don’t expect from yourself? Do you impose a set
of rules on others you won’t accept as an imposition on you?
That’s
what hypocrisy is, you know. Hypocrisy is the act of living a lie, pretending
to be something you’re
not or requiring others to live by a set of rules you reject for yourself. If you tolerate hypocrisy from others,
stop it! Demand an equal playing field. Anything less is a form of servitude.
Refuse to be a slave to someone else’s
unwillingness to treat you like an equal.
But remember that hypocrisy is not the same as inconsistency or human
frailty. We are all inconsistent at living up to all we value. Otherwise, we
would be perfect – or would have no ideals, standards or values we would have
to bother trying to live up to. So be decidedly tolerant of people
inconsistently trying to live up to their values and intolerant of those who
would hide behind their values or impose them on others while ducking the
imposition themselves.
5. Be Intolerant of Excuses
Excuses are messy things.
They squirm and whine and reshape themselves like playdough pushed into cracks
and crevasses. They defuse and deny, weaken and stifle greatness. Stay away from the numbing poison of excuses.
Providing reasons is not the same as giving excuses, though. Reasons
give an accounting, while excuses justify. Reasons accept responsibility, while
excuses seek to pin fault on someone else’s
lapel. Reasons explain, while excuses try to divert attention and hide motive. So never give in to the self-defeating urge
to give excuses for balls dropped and wrong turns made. And
while you’re at
it, don’t accept
them from others either. Hold yourself and others accountable for the decisions
you and they make. Be compassionate, forgiving and patient as we all learn to
accept responsibility for our choices, but intolerant of the excuses we may try
to irresponsibly hide behind in the meantime.
6. Be Intolerant of
Gossip
If you are not intolerant
of gossip you will become a steppingstone for it to spread its social damage. Gossip not shared but tolerated is fueled. Refuse to tolerate it. Stop it dead in
its tracks. Ask for evidence. Make those dishing it out explain themselves.
Suggest going to the person being gossiped about for their side as a concerned
friend or neighbor or associate. Be the person responsible for killing the words that whisper and sneak
behind backs and cowardly hide behind anonymity. Gossip is a
form of cowardice. Cowardice dies in the light. Shine the light.
7. Be Intolerant of
Timewasters
The respect you have for
yourself and others can be seen in the way you treat your time and theirs. Don’t get me wrong, socializing and
recreation are not wastes of time. They are essential to renew and befriend and
experience many of life’s
little joys. But to spend hours on end in no particular endeavor, as a pattern
of repeated behavior, stealing the moments otherwise available for more
meaningful activities is to fundamentally misunderstand what life was meant to
be … and,
most tragically, what you could
have become and accomplished had time been used more wisely.
8. Be Intolerant of
Ingratitude
Ingratitude is a
particularly ugly form of selfishness. It’s
taking others’
kindness for granted, indifferent to their thoughtfulness.
Ingratitude is intolerable because it fails to recognize the humanity of
the person who has done something kind. Even Jesus asked the 10th leper where the other nine
were he had healed when the 10th was the only one to thank him. Help people
grow by gently and lovingly and compassionately reminding them to express
gratitude more freely. You will be helping them lay a foundation for greater
and deeper and more consistent levels of happiness. Still, the most effective
way to encourage gratitude in others is to be grateful yourself. Lead by example, not in spite of it.
9. Be Intolerant of
Self-condemnation
The words we use when we
talk to ourselves or about ourselves matter tremendously. They matter because
our words tend to gel into belief. And belief sets the parameter for action. We will never do what we are sure can never be done.
So our self-talk, the tone and words and meaning we
use in our internal dialogue, shapes us, affecting (sometimes infecting) our
attitudes and reactions to life. When we criticize and condemn, we start to
believe we’re less,
unworthy, inevitable screw-ups and good for very little. Don’t tolerate it. Correct it. Argue
against it. Push the little whiny weasel into the corner and out the backdoor … then lock it! And never allow the
weasel back in. Tolerate mistakes and human imperfection. Don’t tolerate the self-abusive contempt
we sometimes internalize when we inevitably stumble.
10. Be Intolerant of Fear
Fear of bee stings is a
good thing if you’re
deathly allergic and standing at the edge of a field of flowers swarming with
the little buggers as a friend (or enemy?) waves you out into the field. But it’s not a good thing if it
keeps you from ever going outside. Context and degree are important factors to consider when evaluating the
psychological health of your fear. But here are a few basic
questions that should help:
•
Is your fear limiting your ability to live life to its fullest?
• Is it
tearing you apart from the inside?
• Is it
harming relationships, self-esteem, self-respect, work performance or otherwise
getting in the way?
• Is it
chronic and debilitating?
• Does it
control you?
• Is it
overwhelming?
If
your answer is yes to any of those questions, you are tolerating a response to
a perceived threat that may not be as threatening as you think it is. If you
can, confront it. If you can’t,
get help from someone who can walk you through it or around it or away from it.
Remember, fear is only a perceived obstacle to the path you want to travel. It
does not control you. It’s
nothing more than a feeling, an emotional response to a perceived outcome.
Change the perception and the fear starts to dissipate.
Pentecost Novena[2]
The Pentecost Novena is
the first of all novenas, nine days of prayer. After Jesus' Ascension into
heaven, He commanded His disciples to come together in the upper room to devote
themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). They prayed for nine days before
receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
On May 4, 1897, Pope Leo
XIII proclaimed: "We decree and command that throughout the whole Catholic
Church, this year and in every subsequent year, a novena shall take place
before Whit-Sunday (Pentecost), in all parish churches." It has been
reported that Pope Leo XIII was inspired to mandate the Pentecost novena
because of a letter from a housewife in Italy. Pope John Paul II has reiterated
Pope Leo XIII's command for a worldwide Pentecost novena, although the novena
can be prayed at any time — not only before Pentecost.
Try to go to Mass daily
throughout the novena. Go to Confession during the novena. Make visits to
church to adore the eucharistic Jesus throughout the novena. The Church has not
written any official prayers for the novena. The following prayers are suggested.
FIRST DAY (Friday after
Ascension)
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your
clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
Special Intention
“Johanninise the souls of our
priests and bishops. Please, Lord, grant a Priestly Pentecost.”
The Holy Spirit
Only one thing is important — eternal
salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin? Sin is the result of
ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light,
of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind,
strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our
salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth
our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit
Himself asketh for us.”
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast
vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us
forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your
sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel
and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit
of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be
to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer
myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of
Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I
desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my
heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every
thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your
voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to
You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding
the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His
Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You,
Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may
never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and
the Son to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant
heareth.” Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send
the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my
soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that
I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the
things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with
the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose
the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that
I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the
obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God
and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of
Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of
Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in
any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true
disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
St. Damien of Molokai[3]
Joseph De Veuster, the future Father
Damien, was born at Tremelo in Belgium, January 3rd, 1840. His was a large
family and his father was a farmer-merchant. When his oldest brother entered
the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts (called 'Picpus' after the street in
Paris where its Generalate was located), his father planned that Joseph should
take charge of the family business. Joseph, however, decided to become a
religious. At the beginning of 1859 he entered the novitiate at Louvain, in the
same house as his brother. There he took the name of Damien. In 1863, his
brother who was to leave for the mission in the Hawaiian Islands, became ill.
Since preparations for the voyage had already been made, Damien obtained
permission from the Superior General to take his brother's place. He arrived in
Honolulu on March 19th, 1864, where he was ordained to the priesthood the
following May 21st. He immediately devoted himself, body and soul, to the
difficult service of a "country missionary" on the island of Hawaii,
the largest in the Hawaiian group. At that time, the Hawaiian Government
decided on a very harsh measure aimed at stopping the spread of
"leprosy," the deportation to the neighboring island of Molokai, of
all those infected by what was thought to be an incurable disease. The entire
mission was concerned about the abandoned "lepers" and the Bishop,
Louis Maigret ss.cc., spoke to the priests about the problem. He did not want
to send anyone "in the name of obedience," because he knew that such
an order meant certain death. Four Brothers volunteered, they would take turns
visiting and assisting the "lepers" in their distress. Damien was the
first to leave on May 10th, 1873. At his own request and that of the lepers, he
remained definitively on Molokai. He brought hope to this hell of despair. He
became a source of consolation and encouragement for the lepers, their pastor,
the doctor of their souls and of their bodies, without any distinction of race
or religion. He gave a voice to the voiceless, he built a community where the
joy of being together and openness to the love of God gave people new reasons
for living.
After Father Damien contracted the
disease in 1885, he was able to identify completely with them: "We
lepers." Father Damien was, above all, a witness of the love of God for
His people. He got his strength from the Eucharist: "lt is at the foot of
the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation..." It is
there that he found for himself and for others the support and the
encouragement, the consolation and the hope, he could, with a deep faith,
communicate to the lepers. All that made him "the happiest missionary in
the world," a servant of God, and a servant of humanity. Having contracted
"leprosy" himself, Fr. Damien died on April 15th, 1889, having served
sixteen years among the lepers. His mortal remains were transferred in 1936 to
Belgium where he was interred in the crypt of the church of the Congregation of
Sacred Hearts at Louvain. His fame spread to the entire world. In 1938 the
process for his beatification was introduced at Malines (Belgium): Pope Paul VI
signed the Decree on the "heroicity of his virtues" on July 7th, 1977.
He was canonized on October 11th, 2009.
In Father Damien, the Church proposes an
example to all those who find sense for their life in the Gospel and who wish
to bring the Good News to the poor of our time.
Things to Do:
Be adventurous and prepare a Hawaiian
luau in honor of St. Damien.
Humble
Confession[4]
A story about Father
Damien the leper shows us how no one or anything should stop us from making a
humble confession. One of Father Damien's greatest sufferings after he left for
Molokai was his inability to go to confession. Two months after his arrival on
the island, the Honolulu Board of Health ruled that no one on Molokai would be
allowed to return, even temporarily. This was a cruel blow to a man of such
delicate conscience as Father Damien, accustomed to receiving the grace of the
sacrament of Penance weekly. Since he was forbidden to leave, it seemed someone
must come to him. In September, a steamer stopped outside the shore settlement
of Kalaupapa with the usual load of provisions, patients banished from the
mainland, and this time with Father Damien's provincial, Father Modeste, who
knew the young priest was longing to see him. As he prepared to land, Father
Modeste was confronted by the captain. "I have formal orders to stop
you," he announced. There was nothing left but for Damien to come out to
the ship. He did, in a small boat rowed by two of his leper friends and
prepared to board. "Stay back! Stay back!" shouted the captain.
"I've been strictly forbidden to let you see anyone!" Father Damien
stood in the little boat, so near and yet so far. Quickly he made up his mind.
"Very well, I will go to confession here." And with his provincial
leaning over the railing on the deck, the priest confessed his sins and
received absolution. It is said no one on board knew French. Nevertheless, one
cannot help feeling that in this case the walls, the very skies, had ears. It
was truly heroic: a man making the choice between human respect and sacramental
grace. There is no comparison. Penance is the torrent that will cleanse us. Let neither pride nor human respect prevent
our making a humble confession.
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PART FOUR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER
SECTION ONE-PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
CHAPTER THREE-THE LIFE OF PRAYER
Article 2-THE BATTLE OF PRAYER
IV. Persevering in Love
2742 "Pray constantly . .
. always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
to God the Father." St. Paul adds, "Pray at all times in the
Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all
perseverance making supplication for all the saints." For "we
have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it
has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing." This
tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the
battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love
opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about
prayer.
2743 It is always possible to
pray: the time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us
always, no matter what tempests may arise. Our time is in the hands of
God:
It is
possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling
alone, or seated in your shop, . . . while buying or selling, . . . or even
while cooking.
2744 Prayer is a vital
necessity. Proof from the contrary is no less convincing: if we do not allow
the Spirit to lead us, we fall back into the slavery of sin. How can the
Holy Spirit be our life if our heart is far from him?
Nothing is equal to prayer; for
what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy.... For it is
impossible, utterly impossible, for the man who prays eagerly and invokes God
ceaselessly ever to sin.
Those who pray are certainly
saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned.
2745 Prayer and Christian life
are inseparable, for they concern the same love and the same renunciation,
proceeding from love; the same filial and loving conformity with the Father's
plan of love; the same transforming union in the Holy Spirit who conforms us
more and more to Christ Jesus; the same love for all men, the love with which
Jesus has loved us. "Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he [will]
give it to you. This I command you, to love one another."
He
"prays without ceasing" who unites prayer to works and good works to
prayer. Only in this way can we consider as realizable the principle of praying
without ceasing.
PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Prayer After Mass
Lord
Jesus Christ, take all my freedom,
my memory, my understanding, and my will.
All that I have and cherish
you have given me.
I surrender it all to be guided by Your will.
Your grace and Your love
are enough for me.
Give me these, Lord Jesus,
and I ask for nothing more. Amen.
Fitness
Friday: Work out like a Polynesian warrior![5]
Bored of the gym? Practice the skills needed to survive on one of the world’s remotest islands.
For over a
thousand years, the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island have lived in the middle
of the Pacific Ocean. Their survival has depended on strength, resourcefulness
and sometimes war. Today, the island's annual two-week Tapati Festival
celebrates their culture, and exhibits their athletic prowess. So put that gym
visit on hold for a moment and imagine what some warpaint, a volcano and a 20kg
banana weight belt could do for your fitness goals!
Here’s the set…
More: Here's how
to win the world's harshest race...
1.
Run
Begin with a
pulse raiser. The Rapa Nui run barefoot with 20kg of bananas hanging over their
shoulders, dressed in only a hami (loincloth). The route is a kilometre loop
around an emerald lake inside the Rano Raraku volcano.
Replicate:
No treadmill we
know has this adventure setting... Grab a sandbag (or a rucksack full of flour)
and get outdoors for a run. Build up the distance and speed slowly.
2.
Throw
The Rapa Nui
whittle their spears from long straight branches, then attach sharpened flints.
Points are accumulated by hitting banana tree targets. The thinner the tree,
the more points for your tribe.
Replicate:
Stop yanking on
those gym cables to improve your shoulder and back strength. Instead check out
what field throwing sports your local athletics club can offer. Banana trees
not included.
3.
Carve
Easter Island is
famous for the mysterious moai stone statues. Today the Rapa Nui hold
forearm-bursting, speed-carving competitions – albeit on a slightly smaller
scale to their ancestors.
Replicate:
Think 1,000
bicep curls is the only way to build forearm strength? Think again. Sculpt your
cufflink crackers with some wood carving of your own.
4.
Fish
The Rapa Nui are
incredible underwater hunters. They can hold their breath for up to four
minutes whilst stalking their prey.
Replicate:
Take the plunge
and see how far you can go on a single breath with a freediving course.
5.
Ride
Galloping along
the edge of sea cliffs is not wild enough for the Rapa Nui. The jockeys ride
bareback at the Vaihu horse race – gripping just the horse’s manes and
squeezing wildly with their calves and thighs.
Replicate:
Don’t have a
horse of your own? Get the same workout from riding a mountain bike at any of
these great spots.
6.
Paddle
The banana
carrying footrace inside the volcano also requires a crossing of the lake. The
Rapa Nui competitors cross the water on boats made of reeds that are collected
and woven from the very same lake.
Replicate:
Turn your
workout into an adventure with an introduction to sea kayaking.
7.
Dance
Easter Island’s
dances are a collection of the best cultural influences from their not-so-near
neighbors. It’s an exhausting blend of the haka from New Zealand, the hula from
Hawii and the Latin passion of South America.
Replicate:
Tired of
zumba-ing soullessly into your gym studio’s mirror? Put some life back into
your dance workout by making it fun and social with friends.
8.
Slide
Take two banana
trunks to the top of a volcano, lash them together, coat yourself in body paint
and toboggan down at speeds up to 80kph.
Replicate:
Ahem… OK, you’ve
got us here. The best option is to check it out for yourself!
Nicole’s
Corner-Relaxing
Getaway
Wine. Dine.
Unwind. Retail therapy and aromatherapy are both on the agenda during this
circuit of Greater Phoenix’s plentiful people pleasures.
Day
1: Phoenix spa day
Rejuvenate after your travels with a day at one of Phoenix’s premier destination spas, such as the Alvadora Spa or the Joya Spa .
Let the elements
of the desert heal and rejuvenate with a spa treatment inspired by the local
landscape.
Day
2: Retail therapy
Stroll beneath
the palms in a sprawling shopper’s paradise at Biltmore Fashion Park or
Kierland Commons, and splurge on couture at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Take home a
thoughtful gift from a local boutique such as MADE Art Boutique, downtown’s
Bunky Boutique or one of these other shops selling local goods.
Day
3: Wine tours, scotch tastings, craft beer
Tour and taste
your way through Arizona’s wineries on a short-day trip from Phoenix.
If you’re not a
fan of reds and whites, just browse the shelves of Westin Kierland’s extensive
Scotch Library, or hop on a ride with Arizona Brewery Tours to explore
Phoenix's craft beer scene.
The Scotch
Library at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Day
4: A day by the pool and fine dining
Don’t leave
America’s sunniest metropolis without spending a little time poolside. From
serene settings to wild water parks, we've got a resort pool to fit your style.
Cap your getaway
with fine fare just steps away from your pool chair at Phoenix resort
restaurants such as Prado Restaurant and Mbar at the Omni Scottsdale Resort
& Spa at Montelucia and elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A
Gurney's Resort & Spa.
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Restoring
the Constitution
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
[2]https://www.presentationministries.com/series/publications/publication-pentnovena-247748#:~:text=The%20Pentecost%20Novena%20is%20the%20first%20of%20all,days%20before%20receiving%20the%20Holy%20Spirit%20on%20Pentecost.
[3]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2019-05-10
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