Chapter IX — On the eighth article

1. What does the eighth article — "I believe in the Holy Spirit" — teach us?

The eighth article of the Creed teaches us that there is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, that He is eternal God, infinite, almighty, Creator and Lord of all things, like the Father and the Son.

2. From whom does the Holy Spirit proceed?

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son by way of will and of love, as from one single principle.

3. If the Son proceeds from the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, it seems that the Father and the Son are before the Holy Spirit: how then is it said that all three Persons are eternal?

It is said that all three Persons are eternal because the Father from eternity has begotten the Son, and from the Father and the Son from eternity the Holy Spirit proceeds.

4. Why is the third Person of the Most Holy Trinity called in particular by the name of Holy Spirit?

The third Person of the Most Holy Trinity is called in particular by the name of Holy Spirit because He proceeds from the Father and the Son by way of spiration and of love.

5. Which work is especially attributed to the Holy Spirit?

The sanctification of souls is especially attributed to the Holy Spirit.

6. Do the Father and the Son sanctify us equally with the Holy Spirit?

Yes, all three divine Persons sanctify us equally.

7. If this is so, why is the sanctification of souls attributed in particular to the Holy Spirit?

The sanctification of souls is attributed in particular to the Holy Spirit because it is a work of love, and works of love are attributed to the Holy Spirit.

8. When did the Holy Spirit descend upon the Apostles?

The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, that is, fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and ten days after His Ascension.

9. Where were the Apostles during the ten days before Pentecost?

The Apostles were gathered in the upper room together with the Virgin Mary and the other disciples, and persevered in prayer, awaiting the Holy Spirit whom Jesus Christ had promised them.

10. What effects did the Holy Spirit produce in the Apostles?

The Holy Spirit confirmed the Apostles in the faith, filled them with light, strength, charity, and the abundance of all His gifts.

11. Was the Holy Spirit sent for the Apostles alone?

The Holy Spirit was sent for the whole Church, and for every faithful soul.

12. What does the Holy Spirit do in the Church?

The Holy Spirit, like the soul in the body, gives life to the Church with His grace and His gifts; He establishes therein the reign of truth and of love; and assists her so that she may surely lead her children along the way of heaven.