The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is a complete mystery to many Catholics—perhaps even an unknown. After all, for most of us, it's more natural to feel we have a relationship with God the Father, or Christ the Son, the first two Persons of the Trinity. We sense their Personhood more readily somehow. So who is the Holy Spirit, and what is His work?  

As Catholics, we don't get much instruction about the Spirit. We learn that we receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism, are sealed with His gifts in Confirmation, and can develop the Gifts of the Spirit as we grow in grace and virtue, advancing in the spiritual life. Those gifts bring forth spiritual fruits in each follower of Christ. 

Jesus tells us in Sacred Scripture that the ability to follow Him comes from the power of the Holy Spirit, working in us and in the world.

The Spirit is Personal

Many of us think of the Holy Spirit as a magical force, or a tiny white bird. A tongue of fire floating in the air. There are different names for the Holy Spirit. The Paraclete, Sanctifier, Comforter, and Holy Ghost. 

It's true that Sacred Scripture records the work of the Spirit as a mystical and divine power, taking place behind the scenes, especially in the Old Testament. Many of us may not realize the Holy Spirit has been there all along. 

He was present at the creation of the world. He inspired the great prophets, speaking to them down through the generations as they anointed Israel's kings. He prompted the leaders of God's chosen people. Over time, His guidance and inspiration in the background of the Old Testament became more visible to us in the New. 

As the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, He brought about the conception of Christ. Later, He anointed the Apostles and disciples in their ministry. After the Passion, He burst forth at Pentecost in His glorious fullness, giving life to the Church, then guiding and nurturing her with His gifts. 

At this point in the Scriptures, we see the Spirit more evident and "active" in the lives of every believer and follower of Christ. Sacred Scripture reveals the critical role of the Holy Spirit in the mission of each soul and the early Church. His Personhood is essential to that mission.

Christ Reveals Him

In John 14, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit and shares some critical elements of His identity. He reveals the Spirit as a Person, though not one with a physical body like His own. 

 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you." - John 14:15-17

The Scriptures Reveal Him

The Scriptures contain a wealth of information about the Holy Spirit. To know Him better, start in prayer, and in God's Word. The Bible helps us understand His work in the hearts of mankind and in the Church. 

That work is ongoing. As He was there in the beginning of the world, He is here now, and He will be present at the end of time. These are some of my favorite Bible verses about the Holy Spirit, but you can find many more.

he Holy Spirit empowers us to speak and witness courageously. 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31