Black smoke from the Sistine chimney, Lord,
so overnight we’ll hold our collective breath,
wondering, hoping and praying for
what tomorrow will bring
– or rather – whom tomorrow will bring!
Puffs of smoke!
How amazing that in this cyber-digital age
we still watch and wait
for smoke to pour from a chimney
from a roof in Saint Peter’s Square
with news of what’s taking place
behind those doors locked in mystery…
But mystery is filled with waiting
for mystery is made of secrets, enigmas;
of things to be studied, puzzled, divined;
for veils to be lifted and facts disclosed,
for what’s in shadows to come to light,
for what’s unknown to be revealed…
Let your Spirit move in the minds and hearts
of those whose votes will choose and name
the one who will be your Vicar, Lord…
Fill their souls with a love of the mystery
of who you are,
of the Word you speak,
of the mercy you offer
and the peace you bring…
We pray for white smoke, Lord,
clouds of white smoke,
announcing the good news,
« We have a pope! »
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit)
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
(Come, Holy Spirit!)
Come, Holy Spirit,
from heaven shine forth
with your glorious light.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come, Father of the poor,
come, generous Spirit,
come, light of our hearts.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
with your glorious light.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come, Father of the poor,
come, generous Spirit,
come, light of our hearts.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come from the four winds, O Spirit,
come breath of God;
disperse the shadows over us,
renew and strengthen your people.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Most kindly warming light!
Enter the inmost depths of our hearts,
for we are faithful to you.
Without your presence
we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
You are our only comforter, Peace of the soul.
In the heat you shade us;
in our labor you refresh us,
And in trouble you are our strength.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
On all who put their trust in you
and receive you in faith,
shower all your gifts.
Grant that they may grow in you
and persevere to the end.
Give them lasting joy!
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
