I am humbled when I observe the devoted parishioners in silent prayer or joined in soothing song in the small chapel where the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist is present.
As a Catholic from birth, I had no idea of the Adoration that takes place throughout the world…a time to pray and become closer to the Lord. Growing up, it seemed like sometimes we went through the motions of being Catholic without really developing a relationship with God.
After learning about the Blessed Adoration from other religious educators and my studies through the Vision and Skills for Faith Formation through the L.A. Archdiocese, I recently purchased a book to enlighten me more regarding this Blessed Adoration.
The book opens with a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, “I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament…There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves upon earth.“
Our brother Saint Paul continues with “To me, though I am the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things…This was according to the eternal purpose which He has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through faith in Him.“
To believe and to have faith is to know without questioning. This book is helping me understand the history of the Adoration and offers beautiful meditations and prayers to use during Adoration. I look forward to reading and learning more.
ref. Manual for Eucharistic Adoration by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, Saint Joseph Adoration Monastery (2016). TAN Books, Charlotte, North Carolina
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