On Harry Connick, Sr., and His Marian Devotion Linked to the Holy Spirit

"A decade ago, 93-year-old Harry Connick Sr. of New Orleans had retired from his 30-year stint as Orleans Parish district attorney and began to devote his time to the study of his Catholic faith. He was particularly intrigued by the important role of the Holy Spirit, but thought devotion to the Holy Spirit was lacking.

"So he combined his new interest in the Spirit with his lifelong devotion to the Rosary and composed a series of Holy Spirit-themed meditations for the Rosary he calls the 'Spiritual Mysteries.' . . .

"Father Jose Lavastida, pastor of New Orleans' Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Church, said that while the 'Spiritual Mysteries' are not official for the universal Church, 'They are certainly scriptural and help people consider different areas of our faith.'

"The archbishop's staff reviewed the mysteries to ensure that nothing was in opposition to the Catholic faith, he continued, and then the archbishop granted permission for their use in the archdiocese. He said that a similar approval process would have to go through the Holy See for their promulgation for use by the universal Church."

A recent National Catholic Register article profiled Mr. Connick and his interest in the Holy Spirit.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Harry Connick Sr.'s Marian Devotion Is Linked to the Holy Spirit (8 JUN 19)