We just completed our Lenten 40 HOURS of ADORATION. I would like to thank God for the large number of parishioners who made this event most SPIRITUAL. If you did not come and adore Jesus for even a few minutes, you have missed the most epic display of the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel. Building on past years, our Altar Guild made it both majestic and simple. The 36 lights on the altar were shining in harmony, making the EUCHARISTIC FACE OF JESUS SHINING on those who came to adore Jesus in silence. Jesus was gazing upon each of us.
The night hours of Adoration were particularly spectacular. It is in the silence of the night that I felt the light of the Face of Jesus filling my heart. Jesus was gazing upon me. I was at Peace. I also appreciated the few common prayers that broke the silence every three hours and kept all of us in communion with Jesus, ONE IN CHRIST!
It was the first time that we prayed together the powerful LITANY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT written by St PETER JULIAN EYMARD, the founder of the BLESSED SACRAMENT FATHERS in the 19th century. Our close friend Fr. Robert Pittman, the first priestly vocation at St Peter's, was ordained a priest of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and brought to the nearby BODY of CHRIST FARM the spirituality of St Peter Julian Eymard.
The entire Litany was prayed at the very beginning of the 40 hours but also the next morning. (Click here to download the Litany). I am quoting a few excerpts you may use next time you pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament, whether hidden in the Tabernacle or exposed upon the Altar:
Jesus, Eternal High Priest of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, really, truly, and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, summit, and source of all worship and Christian life, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, in which the soul is filled with grace, have mercy on us.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!
That we may show fitting reference when entering Your holy temple, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may make suitable preparation before approaching the Altar, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may receive You frequently in Holy Communion with real devotion and true humility, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may cherish time spent in silent prayer before You, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may see You one day face to face in Heaven, we beseech You, hear us.
Let us pray, Most merciful Father, You continue to draw us to Yourself through the Eucharistic Mystery. Grant us fervent Faith in this Sacrament of Love in which Christ the Lord Himself is contained, offered, and received. We make this prayer through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN
One in Christ,
Father Alain