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It is a very hopeful sign of the new “springtime of holiness” for the Church that, in ever more places, the faithful are participating in regular adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Very early in his pontificate, St. John Paul II established adoration chapels in the major patriarchal basilicas in Rome, realizing that the holy Eucharist is the source and summit of life in the Church. When there is faith, devotion and reverence for the Eucharist, the faithful grow in charity and holiness, and the community is blessed with a variety of vocations that serve the Church and all souls with joy and simplicity. The Eucharist is the source of life for the Church.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been a pious custom in the Church since time immemorial, and likewise the custom of having at least two persons present at all times has been the rule. The Rites for Holy Communion and Worship of the Holy Eucharist Outside of Mass, issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship in 1973, mentions the two-person norm (see No. 90). Likewise, a helpful guideline from the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, states:
“Perpetual adoration occurs when parishioners, religious orders and communities, and other interested people arrange their visits to Church in an organized way. Typically, two or more people, taking turns, spend an hour, in prayer and silence, before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. The hours of the day or night are so divided that adoration is considered perpetual or extended over a period of time.
“Perpetual adoration is worthy to be promoted. In parishes and oratories where it does occur, measures should be taken to ensure that there are two or more of the faithful present and that there is a safe and secure environment for the adorers.”
Why is it required to have two people present? Safety! In case something happens to one of the adorers (falls asleep, faints, has a medical emergency, etc.) the other can call for aid while at the same time insuring that the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance is not left unattended. Why should we not leave the Most Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance unattended? First, out of courtesy, and second for safety, because — while in the monstrance — the Eucharist is vulnerable.
It may happen, no matter how hard you try, that sometimes there is only one person in the Adoration chapel. When that happens, that person cannot leave until another person arrives, or if that is not possible, that person should carefully repose the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle or secure the safety of the Eucharist in some other way. Finally, those good souls who are entrusted with managing the Adoration program at their parish should continue to promote Adoration so that there be at least two people there at all times. This may be difficult, but it’s well worth the effort.
Rev. Francis Hoffman, J.C.D., Executive Director of Relevant Radio. Follow him on his Facebook page “Father Rocky.”
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FAQs
Typically, two or more people, taking turns, spend an hour, in prayer and silence, before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. The hours of the day or night are so divided that adoration is considered perpetual or extended over a period of time. Perpetual adoration is worthy to be promoted.
What is the proper etiquette for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? ›
Respect the presence of the Lord.
Upon entering/exiting the chapel pew, those physically able are asked to momentarily genuflect on both knees before Jesus' real presence in the exposed Blessed Sacrament, and many adorers further choose to touch their hands and/or forehead to the ground in a kneeling prostrate form.
How to do adoration properly? ›
Things to do during Eucharistic Adoration
- PRAY THE PSALMS OR THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS. ...
- RECITE THE “JESUS PRAYER” ...
- MEDITATE USING SCRIPTURE. ...
- READ THE LIFE OF A SAINT AND PRAY WITH HIM OR HER. ...
- POUR OUT YOUR HEART TO CHRIST AND ADORE HIM. ...
- ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS. ...
- PRAY THE ROSARY.
Nothing is to be placed on the altar and the Monstrance holding our Lord should not be touched. Please do not bring food or drink to Adoration (including chewing gum or candy). Children 13 years and younger should not be left unattended. Spiritual reading material provided should not be removed from the church.
What is the general instruction for Eucharistic Adoration? ›
There are no specific rules about what you should do during Eucharistic Adoration. Just “be there” in Jesus' presence. Reflect on His work on the cross and adore Him for all He has done for you and humankind. That would be a time of Eucharistic Adoration well-spent.
What do you say during adoration? ›
I adore You, My Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. (Pause for silent adoration.) I adore You, Jesus, my true life because You died for love of me. I adore You, Jesus, Divine Light because You show me the way to heaven.
Can you read during Eucharistic Adoration? ›
You can read! Bring whatever religious materials you would like to spend time with in front of Jesus.
Is it OK to pray the rosary during adoration? ›
According to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Rosary may be prayed during Eucharistic adoration with exposition, provided that's not the sole reason exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place: One should not expose the Eucharist only to recite the rosary.
How do you end the Eucharistic Adoration? ›
The end of Eucharistic Adoration. The minister leads The Divine Praises and then Christ is returned to the Tabernacle. Afterwards, we sing together Holy God, We Praise Thy Name. Thank you for joining us for the most beautiful form of prayer outside the Sacred Liturgy.
How is Eucharistic Adoration done? ›
It involves exposing a consecrated host, the Blessed Sacrament, allowing people to sit and pray in the presence of Jesus Christ. Adoration specifically refers to any prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament whether in front of a closed Tabernacle or in front of the exposed host in a monstrance.
Examples of adoration in a Sentence
They looked at the baby in adoration. The doctor has earned the adoration of his patients.
How long should you spend in adoration? ›
Feel free to drop in to Adoration for even just five minutes. If it's your first time, try 10-15 minutes. The next time, try 15-20 minutes.
What are the rules for adoration? ›
GUIDELINES EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
- Because God is present on the altar, one should never turn their back on the Eucharist.
- Chatting with friends should never occur during adoration, this is to take place outside.
- If you leave while the Eucharist is exposed, genuflect and leave in silence.
Exposition and reposition should only be done by a priest or deacon. At St. Peter, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in a monstrance and the monstrance is covered with a transparent veil. DO NOT TOUCH the Blessed Sacrament, the monstrance, or the veil.
Is it okay to sleep during adoration? ›
If you are concerned about falling asleep during an overnight hour, don't be. It is okay to sleep in the presence of the Lord.
What is the Catholic practice of adoration? ›
Father Cantalamessa, preacher to the popes since 1980, states that adoration is “the perception of the grandeur, majesty, and beauty of God, together with his goodness and presence, which takes one's breath away.” Adoration of the divine can happen anywhere but, specifically for Catholics, adoration is prayer before ...
How long should you go to adoration? ›
Make a trip to the adoration chapel this week and spend some time with the Lord in prayer. If you have never been to adoration before, try to go for 10-15 minutes (see below for a guide on how to go to adoration). If adoration is something you're familiar with, consider spending 30 minutes to an hour with the Lord.
What are the acts of adoration? ›
ACTS is an acronym that stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. The first movement of the ACTS method is adoration, or praise. In adoration, we give God praise for who He is all-wise, ever-present, all-loving, gracious, merciful, all-powerful, and so much more.
Do I need to dress up for adoration? ›
No food or beverages allowed in the Adoration Chapel; water is permitted, if required. Dress appropriately (i.e. modest and respectful).
