Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
EUCHARISTIAE SACRAMENTUMSacred Congregation for Divine Worship
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
I. Relationship Between Eucharistic Worship Outside Mass And The Eucharistic Celebration
1. The celebration of the eucharist is the center of the entire Christian life, both for the universal Church and for the local congregations of the Church. "The other sacraments, like every other ministry of the Church and every work of the apostolate, are linked with the holy eucharist and have it as their end. For the eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth, that is, Christ himself. He is our Passover and living bread; through his flesh, made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he is bringing life to people and in this way inviting and leading them to offer themselves together with him, as well as their labors and all created things."[1]
2. "The celebration of the eucharist in the sacrifice of the Mass," moreover, "is truly the origin and the purpose of the worship that is shown to the eucharist outside Mass."[2] Christ the Lord "is offered in the sacrifice of the Mass when he begins to be sacramentally present as the spiritual food of the faithful under the appearance of bread and wine"; "after the sacrifice has been offered . . . as long as the eucharist is reserved in churches and oratories, Christ is truly the Emmanuel, that is, 'God with us.' Day and night he is in our midst; full of grace and truth. he dwells among Us."[3]
3. No one therefore may doubt "that all the faithful show this holy sacrament the veneration and adoration that is due to God himself, as has always been the practice recognized in the Catholic Church. Nor is the sacrament to be less the object of adoration on the grounds that it was instituted by Christ the Lord to be received as food."[4]
Endnotes
1 <Presbyterorumordinis> no. 5.
2 Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instr. <EucharisticumMysterium> no. 3 e.
3 Ibid. No. 3b and Paul VI, Encycl. <Mysteriumfidei> no. 67.
4 Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instr. <EucharisticumMysterium> no. 3 f.
History of Perpetual Adoration at the Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica
With the permission of Fr. Edward Prus, under the direction of Fr. Edward Haggerty, and through the prayers and efforts of many of the faithful-especially parishioners, Don and Mary Lu DeFauw on the feast of the Queenship of Mary on August 22, 1987, part-time adoration began at the Shrine of the Little Flower Parish. By February 15, 1988, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration had begun and, by the grace of God, continues to the present. On July 21, 2005, the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at the National Shrine of the Little Flower was dedicated under pastor, Msgr. William Easton. The adoration chapel is located in the building formerly known as the Coughlin Building, the original reliquary of the parish. This building is part of the original parish and survived the fire which burned the first wooden church structure. It can be accessed from the main church by going through Heritage Hall to the gift shop corridor which leads to the chapel. From the outside, one can locate the chapel next to the outdoor stations and the St. Therese grotto. Use the doorbell or door knocker to gain entrance. Someone is there 24 hours a day/7 days a week and will let you in.
Maintaining a Reverent Atmosphere in the Adoration Chapel
Please maintain silence. Jesus is present. (The chapel is not the place for vocal prayer that can be heard by others unless designated for a specific reason i.e. Wednesday’s recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.)
No food or drink should be brought into the chapel. (Water is available in the utility/lavatory area off the chapel.)
Genuflection on both knees upon entrance (if physically able) is customary or a deep bow is made by those unable to genuflect.
Postures should reflect respect for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. No reclining in the pews or sleeping in the pews.
If using technology, it should be used with earphones so no one else can hear.
Dress should be modest and, again, should reflect respect for Jesus and those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does adoration work?
A. One calls and signs up for a Holy Hour which that person would like each week. That is your special time with the Lord each week i.e. Thursdays, 3 pm. You come to the chapel the day and hour you signed up for, sign in at the sign in book at the window in the vestibule, and then pray as you wish. A spiritual reading libray is available while you are at the chapel. Please do not remove books from the chapel. They are for all to use. Do not leave until the next adorer arrives. The Blessed Sacrament is NEVER to be left alone. At the time of signing up, you will be told the procedure for when someone does not come for their Holy Hour.
Q. What if I am going out of town or are sick?
A. Sub lists are provided in a plastic envelope on the bulletin board in the chapel vestibule. Take one and keep it for when needed. These individuals have volunteered to be subs. Ask a friend or family member to cover your hour while you are away or use the sub list. Post your needed hour by the sign in book. See the ‘Do you need a sub?’ sheet. Call your hourly captain. You will get their name and phone number when you sign up. Call the coordinator. Her number is in a weekly Shrine Herald column for adoration.
Q. How long do I do this?
A. You continue as long as you wish. We understand life circumstances can change. Just call the coordinator to let her know if you need to change your hour or stop.
Contact information:
Call Marie Lama at 248.655.0309 or email her at .