SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (part – 1)

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts of the Holy Spirit are directly given by the Holy Spirit and reside in all who have received them through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism offers the following simple definitions for each gift: • Wisdom: a gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us able to judge rightly about the things of God and to want them rather than the things of the world. This gift enables us to endure crosses with great patience and love. • Understanding: a gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to see more clearly into the mysteries of our Faith, so that we may live according to its teachings. • Counsel: advice, especially the gift to the Holy Spirit which guides us in practical matters. • Fortitude: a gift of the Holy Spirit which makes us able to love God no matter what stands in the way. (to be continued…)

Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti