Perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist

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What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Eucharistic Adoration is adoring or honouring Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist, the Sacrament of His Body and Blood. (1 Cor 10:16) At the moment of Consecration, during the Mass, our gifts of bread and wine are transformed (transubstantiated) into the actual Body and Blood of Christ at the Altar. This means that they are not only spiritually transformed, but rather are actually (substantially) transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The elements retain the appearance of bread and wine, but are indeed the actual Body and Blood of Christ. This is what is meant by Real Presence: the actual, physical presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Christ instituted this Sacrament of the Eucharist in order to remain with humankind until the end of time (Jn. 14:18).

Why is the Host displayed?

Since the Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus, Holy Communion is the holiest moment in the Mass. There, we truly become one with Jesus. Eucharistic Adoration extends that moment when we approach the Minister of the Altar who, upon showing us the Host, proclaims, ‘The Body of Christ’ and we reply, ‘Amen!’ – Yes it is! Gazing at the Sacred Host, we contemplate the profound love of Jesus and his deep desire to be one with us. Ultimately, Eucharistic Adoration prepares us for Holy Communion. This is the ultimate goal of the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration: to be one with Jesus, becoming like him in everything, being transformed by His Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

What is the Host displayed on?

At the Chapel, the Eucharist is exposed in the Monstrance on the Altar. “Monstrance” is the vessel used in the Church to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host. The word ‘monstrance’ comes from the Latin word monstrare, meaning “to expose”.

Why one hour?

On the eve of his passion, Jesus prayed surrendered to the will of His Father. With pleading love, he invited his sleepy Apostles to unite themselves to this surrender. He asked: “Could you not watch one hour with Me?” (Matthew 26:40) Just as Jesus surrendered to his Father’s will before his Passion, so he asks for this hour so that we too can surrender and accept our own Crosses. The Hour prepares us by giving us the strength to carry our own cross following Jesus in obedience to the Father’s will. (cf. Luke 14:27, 22:43)

What do I do in this Hour?

In this hour, we keep watch in prayer with Jesus. St. Teresa of Avila teaches us that ultimately, prayer “is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love.” You can meditate on a passage in Scripture or pray pious devotions like the Rosary, Novenas, etc. You can simply speak to Jesus from your heart sharing with him your joys and sorrows, hopes and concerns. However, words are not necessary. You can simply be in silence, basking in God’s presence.

Do I need to be in a specific posture?

Upon entering and leaving the Chapel, our tradition teaches us to genuflect on both knees before Jesus exposed in the Eucharist. By this act, we acknowledge that we are creatures and before us is the Creator. Moreover, we honour his profound humility in emptying himself on the Cross and before our Altars out of love. Then, for your hour, ‘love and do what you will’ (St. Augustine) You can kneel, sit or stand. Just be respectful of your surroundings, especially if others are in the Chapel with you.

Lord Jesus, from your Altar, let the rays of your mercy come down upon us in blessing. Let it go far and wide – let it reach our homes and our families, especially those whose unity is threatened. Let it be felt in the souls of the afflicted who cannot come to receive it in here Your Presence. Let the weak and the tempted feel its power wherever they may be. Let the poor sinner feel its influence and be drawn to Your goodness. Let those who draw near to receive your blessing at your feet be especially blessed. Let it reach the hearts of all who ache of hope, for joy, for healing, for mercy, for love.  From your Eucharistic Throne, let your mercy reach those who need it most. As our prayers rise up before you like incense in your sight, let your merciful benediction come down upon us, our community and our world.

Stay with us Lord, here in your Eucharistic Presence! Banish the darkness that threatens us! Scatter the winds of confusion that surrounds us! With the fire of your Spirit, make fervent the hearts of many who have grown lukewarm. From your Altar, pour out upon us again your Holy Spirit as in a New Pentecost. May he refresh us, reignite us, rekindle in us the passion of your love that with renewed fervor, we may proclaim you as the Son of God, the only Saviour of the world, our only Hope!

May the Heart of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, be adored, loved and glorified, in this Chapel, at every hour, now until the end of time! Amen.

Prayer at the Opening of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel