Did you know the peony is called the Pentecost flower?
The flower is called pfingstrose in German, meaning “Pentecost Rose.”
This nickname also originated for reasons including the symbolism of its bright and lush leaves, and the timing of the peony’s blooming season!
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter, which is around the time peonies bloom.
In the Acts of the Apostles, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is described as a moment of explosive grace and renewal. This is symbolized through the peony’s lush and vibrant blossoms, sometimes resembling a burst of flames.
What a special connection!
Next time you pass this beautiful flower during a walk around your neighborhood, in a flower shop, or even in your own garden, say a quick prayer invoking the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit!”
Here is a powerful prayer calling on the Holy Spirit:
Litany of the Holy Spirit
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, …
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Divine Essence, one true God, Have mercy on us.
Spirit of truth and wisdom, …
Spirit of holiness and justice,
Spirit of understanding and counsel,
Spirit of love and joy,
Spirit of peace and patience,
Spirit of kindness and goodness,
Spirit of generosity and gentleness,
Spirit of faithfulness and modesty,
Spirit of self-control and chastity,
Love substantial of the Father and the Son,
Love and life of saintly souls,
Fire ever burning,
Living water to quench the thirst of hearts,
From all evil, Deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all impurity of soul and body, …
From all gluttony and sensuality,
From all attachments to the things of the earth,
From all hypocrisy and pretense,
From all imperfections and deliberate faults,
From our own will,
From slander,
From deceiving our neighbours,
From our passions and disorderly appetites,
From our inattentiveness to Your holy inspirations,
From despising little things,
From debauchery and malice,
From love of comfort and luxury,
From wishing to seek or desire anything other than You,
From everything that displeases You,
Most loving Father, forgive us.
Divine Word, have pity on us.
Holy and divine Spirit, leave us not until we are in
possession of the Divine Essence, Heaven of heavens.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Send us the divine Consoler.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Fill us with the gifts of Your Spirit.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Make the fruits of the Holy Spirit increase within us.
V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful,
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created,
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray: O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit
did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant that by the
same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in
His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen