Come, Creator Spirit: Meditations on the Veni Creator

by Raniero Cantalamessa, Denis Barrett (Translator), Marlene Barrett (Translator)

Written particularly for the Charismatic Renewal in the English-speaking world, Come, Creator Spirit is a helpful guide for a better understanding of the Holy Spirit. In this detailed commentary on the famous hymn Veni Creator, sung at the beginning of every new year, ecumenical council, and priestly ordination, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa describes the Paraclete and gives praise to its glory. Progressing through the hymn line by line, he provides insights, reflections, hymnography of Christian traditions, and testimonies of the saints.

This book describes the Church's experience of the Spirit of today, as well as the past. The biblical and theological base of the hymn opens the reader to the perspectives and inspirations in this book. Its Vision of the Holy Spirit in the history of salvation emerges as the reader progresses through the reading. In the celebration of the ecumenical character of Veni Creator, this book draws from Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic traditions for al those who wish to seek a better understanding of the Holy Spirit.

Chapters are Spirit, Come!" *Creator, - *Fill with Heavenly Grace the Hearts that You Have Made, - *You Whom We Name the Paraclete, - *Most High Gift of God, - *Living Water, - *Fire, - *Love, - *Anointing for the Soul, - *Sevenfold in Your Gifts, - *Finger of God's Right Hand, - *The Father's Solemn Promise, - *Gifting Lips with the Word to Say, - *Kindle Your Light in Our Minds, - *Pour Love into Our Hearts, - *Infirmity in This Body of Ours Overcoming with Strength Secure, - *The Enemy Drive from Us Away, - *Peace Then Give without Delay, - *With You As Guide We Avoid al Cause of Harm, - *Through You May We the Father Know, - *Through You May We Know the Son As Well, - and *And You, the Spirit of Them Both, May We Always Believe. -

Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, is past professor of the history of Christian origins at the Catholic University of Milan and a member of the International Theological Commission. He is preacher to the papal household and author of The Mystery of Pentecost, Easter in the Early Church; The Eucharist: Our Sanctification; The Mystery of God's Word; The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus; Jesus Christ, The Holy One of God; Mary, Mirror of the Church; The Mystery of Christmas; and The Mystery of Easter published by The Liturgical Press.

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Genres: Theology, Christian, Faith, Catholic, Spirituality, Christianity

584 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches.

In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences.

He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio).
In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
For 14 years, from 1994 to 2010 he has run a weekly program on the first channel of the Italian state television (RAI) on the Gospel of the following Sunday.

From 2009, when he is not engaged in preaching, he lives in an hermitage, at Cittaducale (Rieti) ministering to a small community of cloistered nuns.
The 18 July 2013 he has been confirmed by pope Francis as Preacher to the Papal Household.

Reviews

[Albert Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, if you are seeking to understand the Person of Holy Spirit and desire to encounter Him beyond the contemporary explanations of experiences offered through Protestant practices this is a timeless treasure. Second, the Lord has always deposited certain books into my life that have had and have retained the providential aroma of His mercy and grace. This is yet another I claim with confidence.

What an inviting and invigorating work by Father Raniero Cantalamessa. His expert study of Holy Spirit and His relationship with God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ is a well balanced approach to educate and inspire the Christian to better understand what is offered through a deeper relationship and appreciation with Holy Spirit.

This book is reminiscent of the works by the eastern Mystics, such as Watchman Nee, but in a more westernized approach. It is clear and down to earth theology that maintains the awe that should a company such content. Father Cantalamessa offers a great exposition of the Latin hymn Veni Creator -- "With its wealth of insights and though-provoking images, this hymn (Veni Creator) is like a magnificent fresco of the Holy Spirit at work in salvation history and in the life of the Church."

It is a must read for any Christian who seeks to dwell in the secret place of the Most High through contemplative prayer and surrender to the Lords presence.

[John Leek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the top books I've ever read.

It is a theology text so it probably shouldn't be read quickly, but it has short chapters and can be read devotionally.

I'm a United Methodist and I found this book by Roman Catholic writer Cantalamessa a Godsend for understanding and encountering the Holy Spirit.

I would recommend this book to any Christian seeking to know God better. It is worth your time.

[Darryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best book I have read. It is not just a study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit; it is based on a hymn invoking the Spirit and He came as I read.

[Cornelius Pulung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sejauh yang saya ketahui, tidak banyak buku yang membahas secara khusus tentang Roh Kudus. Namun bagi saya, terdapat dua buku yang menurut saya wajib dibaca oleh siapapun, namun khususnya mungkin bagi mereka yang tergolong ke dalam kelompok karismatik.

Buku pertama adalah True Devotion to the Holy Spirit oleh Archbishop Luis Martinez. Buku yang bersifat devosional ini adalah buku yang berhasil membuat saya memiliki cinta dan devosi khusus kepada Roh Kudus.

Buku selanjutnya adalah buku yang ditulis Rm. Raneiro Cantalamessa: Come, Creator Spirit. Buku ini tidak lain adalah komentar atau meditasi atas lirik himne Veni Creator Spiritus. Sarat dengan muatan doktrinal dan dipenuhi dengan landasan biblis dan patristik, maka membaca buku ini akan menambah wawasan yang lebih luas akan peran Roh Kudus dalam hidup kita, dan karenanya dapat membuat kita kian mengapresiasi kehadiran Roh Kudus dalam jiwa orang beriman.

Buku ini sangat pas untuk dibaca beberapa minggu sebelum Hari Raya Pentakosta.

[Scott Debrecen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What wisdom and depth of insight. Fantastic read.

I leave feeling I knew nothing of the Holy Spirit, yet feeling very full and wanting more. Thank you for such a meaningful book.

[Gregory Usselmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s good, solid doctrine, enlightening. A little verbose, could have said some things more succinctly, and his occasional forays into geopolitics are ill-advised. But few other comprehensive works on the Holy Sprit exist so Cantalamessa’s cornered the market.

[Claire Cargill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite theological work. It is the only one I've read several times and give out to all my friends. I can't recommend it enough for Christians of all denominations. Beautiful!

[Maddie Wofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense, beautiful, mind blowing. Will absolutely inform and profoundly enhance your understand of the Holy Spirit. Incredible book!

[Hanna Miley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Veni Creator is a hymn composed in the ninth century. Raniero Cantalamessa is an Italian Catholic priest in the Capuchin Order of Friars, a theologian who testifies, It was in the United States - New Jersey, to be precise - that in 1977, I myself received the grace of 'the baptism of the Spirit.

[Ryan Strebeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to read this book for a while every year during the season of Pentecost. I can only handle a few pages at a time - beautiful work.