A note on Eucharistic Adoration

The Vatican Information Service (VIS) provides stories, reports, and statistics of the Vatican, especially on the Holy Father. Usually, the "mid-day addresses" are reported where the Holy Father provides instruction, re-caps of speeches he made, and catechesis through his Wednesday addresses. Many of these reports and stories provide valuable insight into the teaching of Holy Mother Church and a good number can deepen our faith and participation in the MEF.

This past friday Friday, VIS reported on the Holy Father's speech to "the plenary assembly of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, who have been meeting to consider the question of Eucharistic adoration."

"The doctrine of the transubstantiation of the bread and wine, and of the real presence, are a truth of faith, already evident in Holy Scripture and later confirmed by the Fathers of the Church", said Benedict XVI.

After then explaining that, "in the Eucharist, adoration must become union: union with the living Lord and with His mystical Body", the Pope recalled words he had pronounced at World Youth Day 2005 in the German city of Cologne: "God no longer simply stands before us as the One who is totally Other. He is within us, and we are in Him. His dynamic enters into us and then seeks to spread outwards to others until it fills the world, so that His love can truly become the dominant measure of the world.

"On that occasion", he added, "I also reminded young people that in the Eucharist we experience the fundamental transformation of violence into love, of death into life. This brings other changes in its wake".

The Pope highlighted the importance of a renewal of Eucharistic adoration. This, he said, "will only be possible through a greater awareness of the mystery in complete faithfulness to Sacred Tradition, and by enhancing liturgical life within our communities". In this context, he also expressed his appreciation at the fact that the plenary had examined the question of "the formation of all the People of God in the faith, with particular concern for seminarians, favouring their development in a spirit of authentic Eucharistic adoration".

"Recalling three penitential practices particularly dear to biblical and Christian tradition (prayer, almsgiving and fasting)", he concluded, "let us encourage one another to rediscover and practice fasting with renewed fervour, not only as a form of asceticism but also as a preparation for the Eucharist and as a spiritual weapon to fight against any disordered attachment to ourselves". "

In the Diocese of Charlotte, there are a number of pastors who have instituted Eucharistic Adoration. In the city of Charlotte, there's specific times for Adoration at most of the parishes including, but not limited to, St. Patrick's (Wednesday's), St. Michael's (Wednesday's), St. Ann's (Wednesday's) and there's 24 hour perpetual Adoration at St. Gabriel.

The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic News and Herald recently went to St. Ann's and reported on Eucharistic Adoration there. (.pdf version)

Everyone, especially servers, are encouraged to make the time to adore the Lord and allow Him to continuously convert your hearts so that you may be more united with Him and serve Him with the love He deserves.

Photo credit: Lawrence OP http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/