Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion where members of the parish unite in taking hours of adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament, both during the day and throughout the night, seven days a week.
Why is exposition in the monstrance preferred?
To see Jesus visibly present under the appearance of the small white host is much more conducive to intimacy than hidden away in the tabernacle. Moreover, it adds an extra responsibility on the adorers to be sure to be faithful to the hours they are scheduled, since the suggested norm for having Jesus exposed in the monstrance is that there should be at least two adorers present, and He must never be left alone. Could not these words of our Lord be applied today: "Indeed, this is the will of My heavenly Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son, and believes in Him, shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day."
What are some good reasons for establishing Perpetual Adoration?
To provide an easy, attractive, and practical way of rendering God adoration which is His due as our Creator, of giving Him thanks for our redemption, of making reparation for our sins and the sins of mankind; of petitioning the good God for the constant help we need.
To show our gratitude to our Lord for remaining among us in our tabernacles, and to make at least some atonement for the many sacrileges, indifferences, and ingratitude which He receives in His Sacrament of Love.
What spiritual benefits and graces can be attributed to the establishment of a parish Perpetual Adoration program?
- an increase in Mass attendance and reception of the sacraments;
- return of fallen-away Catholics and increase in the number of conversions;
- increase in religious and priestly vocations;
- renewal of Catholic family life;
- spiritual level of the people is raised with a resulting desire and courage to spread the "good news" to others;
- a greater community spirit, centered as it is on the heart of the parish, Jesus' presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
