to God; but the Holy Ghost is said especially to sanctify us, inasmuch as He, through the merits of Christ, actually cleanses us from sin, and makes us just and pleasing to God.
'You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God' (1 Cor. vi. 11).
8. How does the Holy Ghost sanctify us?
He sanctifies us by means of the supernatural grace which He ordinarily infuses into our souls through the Sacraments.
9. What are in particular the gifts of the Holy Ghost?
These seven: 1. Wisdom; 2. Understanding; 3. Counsel; 4. Fortitude; 5. Knowledge; 6. Godliness or Piety; and 7. The Fear of the Lord (Isai. xi. 2, 3).
10. When did Christ send down the Holy Ghost upon His Church?
Christ sent down the Holy Ghost in a visible manner upon her on Whit-Sunday, when he descended upon the Apostles in the form of fiery tongues.
11. For what purpose was the Holy Ghost sent upon the Church?
That he might perpetually teach her, sanctify her, and direct her in an invisible manner; and, in general, that He might impart to her those abundant graces which Christ has merited for her.
By virtue of the Holy Ghost, the Church teaches (John xiv. 26), cleanses from sin, and sanctifies (John xx. 22, etc.), guides, and rules (Acts xx. 28, and xv. 28).
12. Is the Holy Ghost still sent at the present time?
He is still sent at the present time in an invisible manner, as often as He enters with His sanctifying grace into our souls in, order to dwell there.
'Know you not, that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?' (1 Cor. iii. 16).
13. How long does the Holy Ghost remain in the soul?
As long as the soul is free from all grievous sin.
