Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration is the worship and honour given to Christ truly present in the Eucharist. In adoration we watch and wait, remain silent in his presence, and open ourselves to the grace that flows from the Eucharist.

At the Consecration during Mass, the gifts of bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Christ. They retain the appearance of bread and wine, but Catholics believe Christ is really and substantially present in the Eucharist.

For solemn exposition a priest or deacon places the consecrated Host in a monstrance on the altar. At other times the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle so that the faithful may pray in Christ’s Eucharistic presence. A Holy Hour is a period of Eucharistic adoration lasting about an hour.

Exposition and Benediction form a liturgical service in their own right. Scripture, hymns, prayer and periods of silent adoration help the faithful acknowledge Christ’s presence and deepen spiritual union with him.

Jesus waits for us in the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is a place to offer acts of faith, love, thanksgiving, repentance, reparation and charity. The Church’s saints repeatedly recommend time before the Eucharist as a source of grace and renewal.

The Eucharistic presence of Christ is a place to bring duties, frustrations, guilt, uncertainty, hopes and needs. Time with the Lord in adoration can renew the heart and deepen trust in God.

Adoration fosters friendship with Christ. Remaining in his love strengthens disciples for the daily cross and for the service of others, bearing fruit in a life increasingly conformed to Jesus.

A vigil of Eucharistic prayer is an affirmation of faith that God truly dwells with his people. It is also intercession for the needs of the Church, the community and the world.

The monstrance draws the eye to the Sacred Host. Christians are likewise called to become living witnesses who radiate the presence of the Lord. The Cross above the monstrance also points to humility, patience, self-control and faithful discipleship.

In Eucharistic worship earth is joined to heaven as the faithful unite their praise with the saints and angels. Gazing on Christ with the eyes of faith anticipates the communion with God for which every Christian hopes.

Love is nourished by closeness and regular contact. Time in divine intimacy before the Blessed Sacrament can deepen hunger for Scripture, the sacraments, holiness and service.

The longing expressed in Psalm 63 gives words to Eucharistic prayer: a thirst for God, a desire to behold his power and glory, and a resolve to praise him throughout life.