The Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, or Eucharistic Adoration, is an opportunity for the faithful to pray to Jesus Christ before the Eucharist at their local parish. The term “the faithful” refers to Catholics who wish to express and deepen their love of Christ. Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. In other words, in the consecrated host, Jesus is there, truly there. So it only stands to reason that, as Catholics worship Jesus, they would worship Him in the Blessed Sacrament.
During exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a consecrated host is put into an often ornate receptacle called a monstrance. This is the Latin word “monstrare,” which means “to reveal.” A monstrance has a glass covered hole in the middle which reveals the Blessed Sacrament. Priests or deacons handle the consecrated host with care, often using a humeral veil. The veil covers their hands, showing reverence for the host. 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. Eucharistic adoration includes or ends with Benediction, or a blessing by the priest or deacon who makes the sign of the cross with the monstrance.
Here is a guide to Eucharistic Adoration Etiquette.
“I have often reflected upon the remedies for the universal indifference which is taking hold of so may Catholics in a frightening way. I can find only one: the Eucharist, love for Jesus Eucharistic. Loss of faith comes in the first place from loss of love; darkness, from the loss of light; the freezing cold of death from the absence of fire.” ― Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Why go to adoration? | WHY (2:22)
How to Make A Holy Hour
Four 15-minute Steps for Adoration
- Recognize the Presence of God―Enter into His holy Presence with awe and love.
- Thanksgiving―Praise and thank the Lord. Worship Him.
- Reparation―Repent of and express sorrow for your sins and those of the whole world.
- Petition―Ask for your own deeper conversion and personal needs, as well as for those around you and the whole world.
“My greatest happiness is to be before the Blessed Sacrament, where my heart is, as it were, in Its center.” ― Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
In the Gospel of Matthew, we learn that Jesus and his disciples went to Gethsemane after the Last Supper (Holy Thursday). He shared his suffering and grief with them, knowing of His crucifixion the next day. So, Jesus went to pray, but He asked His disciples to stay awake with Him. When he returned, however, He found the disciples asleep. “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” (Mt 26:40).
When we make a Holy Hour, we remain and stay awake with Jesus. It’s a powerful and beautiful way to grow closer to Him.
Adoration Prayer
Dear Jesus, I come before You in the Eucharist, longing to be transformed by Your love. Teach me to adore You with a pure heart and a humble spirit. May this time of adoration deepen my relationship with You and renew my soul. Help me to carry Your presence with me as I leave this sacred space, sharing Your love with others. Amen.
