The model of the cenacle is based on Mary and the Apostles in the Upper Room in Jerusalem where both the Last Supper (the first Eucharist) was held by Christ the night before his Crucifixion and where the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost thus giving birth the Church (Acts 2). If the family cannot attend their parish cenacle, they are encouraged to start their own prayer cenacle at home. The cenacle should be dedicated to and focused on the Blessed Virgin Mary, as Spouse of the Holy Spirit, for it is through her Our Lord came to us. So, we ask the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit through her as His chosen Spouse. The cenacle is at the heart of this Jubilee Year of the Holy Spirit and is the principle means of asking the Holy Spirit to enkindle the fire of his love in our lives and direct us in what actions we ought to witness to our faith to others and how we should specifically serve the Kingdom of God in our home and community as disciples of Christ.
Suggested Prayer Format (Pray weekly or daily as a family)
Come, Holy Spirit!
Fill our hearts with gratitude and love for the precious Gift of the most Holy Eucharist You havegiven us to be our spiritual Food and Drink for our Journey of Faith.
Enkindle within us the “Fire of Your Love”, and inspire within us the desire to be like Jesus, Who won our Salvation and Who redeemed us from sin and death.
Help us, O Spirit of Mercy, to be poured out in charity, so that we can love as Jesus loves, in all that we think, say and do.
May You, O Spirit of Truth, give us the courage to be joyful witnesses to Jesus in our lives, and to always speak the Truth in Love.
Make our lives and homes places where Saints are formed, and where holy Vocations to the Priesthood, Consecrated Life, and Sacramental Marriage are fostered.
Help us, O Spirit of Compassion, to see all those who suffer and are in need as You see them---as sisters and brothers in Christ.
May St. Augustine, our diocesan Patron, lead our restless hearts to find rest in You, and may Mary, the Mother of the Church, intercede for us, and lead us always to the Heart of her Divine Son.
Come, Holy Spirit, come into our lives, our parish, and our Diocese, and lead us always to live our lives according to Your holy Will, now and forever. Amen.