Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God. Many of us learned them by heart for Confirmation and, over the years, have gradually forgotten them. Today we tell you what the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are, what each one means in everyday life… and we have some exciting news: our next medal will be the Holy Spirit medal.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1830–1831) describes them as permanent dispositions that make us docile to follow what the Holy Spirit inspires in us. Simply put: they are gifts that God gives us to live our faith more fully, and that we receive in Baptism and, especially, in Confirmation.
The list of the seven comes from the prophet Isaiah (Is 11, 1-2), who attributes them to the Messiah, and the Church has always drawn on this tradition.
The 7 gifts, one by one
- Wisdom. The highest of all. It helps us see things as God sees them and to know what truly matters.
- Understanding (or intelligence). It helps us better understand the Word of God and what we believe.
- Counsel. It helps us make good decisions, especially when it is not clear what to do, and to advise others well.
- Fortitude. The strength to persevere in what is good and not give up when things get difficult.
- Knowledge. It helps us value created things in their proper measure, as reflections of God and not as substitutes for Him.
- Piety. It gives us a filial love for God as Father and a fraternal love for others.
- Fear of God. It is not fear, but a love-filled respect that keeps us from anything that distances us from Him.
If you would like to ask for them by praying, we have provided the “Come, Holy Spirit” prayer and the twelve fruits of the Spirit in this article.
How to ask for the gifts in everyday life
Nothing complicated is needed. In the morning, when you put on the medal, you can say something as simple as: “Come, Holy Spirit, give me today the gift I need most.” One day it will be fortitude, another counsel for a difficult decision, another patience with your loved ones. It is a beautiful habit to teach your children, especially during the year of their Confirmation.
Our next medal: the Holy Spirit
We have been thinking about it for a while and it is already on its way. You ask us very often for a medal to give as a gift for Confirmations, to godparents, and to anyone starting a new chapter who needs light and strength. And we cannot think of anything better than the dove of the Holy Spirit.
Like all of ours, it is being designed by us, Marian and Bárbara, and will be handmade in Spain with the same care and quality as the rest of the collection. It will arrive with its chain, gift-wrapped and with its illustrated card and story, so you will know what you are wearing around your neck.
To be among the first to see it, follow us on Instagram, @khartesmadrid, or sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the website: we will let you know as soon as it is ready.
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Facts you can check
- According to paragraph 1831 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God, and they belong fully to Christ (Is 11, 1-2). Source
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Thank you for reading us.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.