My conversion to Catholicism, like all conversions, did not follow any typical model and was full of surprises. Prayers I learned in funny orders. Saints I discovered the “wrong” way ’round.

Just months after the beatification of Charles de Foucauld, my conversion to Catholicism began. I accepted the idea of converting and within weeks found myself absorbing the new blessed (I didn’t even know he had been beatified). I learned the Veni Creator prayer in learning about Charles de Foucauld. He would pray it everyday. I came to like it even more because, aside from being an invocation of the Holy Spirit, it speaks specifically about the seven Gifts, without which I’m nothing.

Come Holy Spirit, creator, come
from your bright heavenly throne,
come take possession of our souls
and make them all your own.

You who are called Paraclete
blest gift of God above,
the living spring, the living fire,
sweet unction and true love.

You who are sevenfold in your grace,
finger of God’s right hand;
his promise, teaching little ones
to speak and understand.

O guide our minds with your blest light,
with love our hearts inflame;
and with strength, which never decays,
confirm our mortal frame.

Far from us drive our deadly foe;
true peace unto us bring;
and through all perils, lead us safe
beneath your sacred wing.

Through you may we the Father know;
through you the eternal Son,
and you the Spirit of them both,
thrice-blessed Three in One.

All glory to the Father be,
with his co-equal Son:
the same to You great Paraclete,
while endless ages run.
Amen.