Explanation
For a Catholic, Eucharistic Adoration should be straightforward. During Mass, at the moment of Consecration, the bread and wine are transformed (transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Christ. This is not a spiritual or symbolic change. The bread and wine actually (substantially) become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. The species may appear to be bread and wine but it is the real presence of Jesus. Knowing this, as a Catholic, it is the next logical step that we come to worship Jesus Christ presented in the Holy Eucharist.
Side Note: His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity exist under both species of bread and wine.
History
The following are a few (but not all) points in history when the Blessed Sacrament was used in adoration:
· As early as the middle of the Third Century, hermits would place the Holy Eucharist in their cells (rooms) for the purpose of taking communion at a future date. This led to treating the Eucharist with reverence while it resided in the cell.
· Fourth Century converts, in some local parishes, would adore the exposed Eucharist for eight days after their baptism.
· In thanksgiving for France's victory over the Albigenses (1226 AD), King Louis VII requested that the Pope allow the Eucharist to be exposed for adoration. The response by the lay people was so great that adoration lasted until the French Revolution in 1792.
· The Council of Trent helped solidify Eucharistic practices and declare that, “The Sacrament is to be publicly exposed for people’s adoration.” This was a historic proclamation that ushered in a new era for the devotion which resulted in a surge of adoration practices.
Side Note: The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (located in the United States) have had perpetual adoration for 129 years (yes, non-stop).
Perpetual Adoration Today
There are many different types of adoration practices and ceremonies. The devotion of Perpetual Adoration has recently grown in popularity. In most cases, a parish will set up a chapel that contains the exposed Eucharist. Volunteers are scheduled to be with the Eucharist (usually in hour increments) so that the Holy Sacrament is never left alone. Besides those who ensure continual adoration, any parishioner can come by to visit and pray. Usually, there are no set times. But every parish has its own rules, so call ahead to find out specifics.
A couple of articles where Pope Benedict XVI has recently talked about adoration:
http://www.zenit.org/article-22517?l=english
http://www.zenit.org/article-22193?l=english
A very good site to learn more about adoration and to find a location near you:
http://www.therealpresence.org/index.html
For a Catholic, Eucharistic Adoration should be straightforward. During Mass, at the moment of Consecration, the bread and wine are transformed (transubstantiation) into the body and blood of Christ. This is not a spiritual or symbolic change. The bread and wine actually (substantially) become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. The species may appear to be bread and wine but it is the real presence of Jesus. Knowing this, as a Catholic, it is the next logical step that we come to worship Jesus Christ presented in the Holy Eucharist.
Side Note: His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity exist under both species of bread and wine.
History
The following are a few (but not all) points in history when the Blessed Sacrament was used in adoration:
· As early as the middle of the Third Century, hermits would place the Holy Eucharist in their cells (rooms) for the purpose of taking communion at a future date. This led to treating the Eucharist with reverence while it resided in the cell.
· Fourth Century converts, in some local parishes, would adore the exposed Eucharist for eight days after their baptism.
· In thanksgiving for France's victory over the Albigenses (1226 AD), King Louis VII requested that the Pope allow the Eucharist to be exposed for adoration. The response by the lay people was so great that adoration lasted until the French Revolution in 1792.
· The Council of Trent helped solidify Eucharistic practices and declare that, “The Sacrament is to be publicly exposed for people’s adoration.” This was a historic proclamation that ushered in a new era for the devotion which resulted in a surge of adoration practices.
Side Note: The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (located in the United States) have had perpetual adoration for 129 years (yes, non-stop).
Perpetual Adoration Today
There are many different types of adoration practices and ceremonies. The devotion of Perpetual Adoration has recently grown in popularity. In most cases, a parish will set up a chapel that contains the exposed Eucharist. Volunteers are scheduled to be with the Eucharist (usually in hour increments) so that the Holy Sacrament is never left alone. Besides those who ensure continual adoration, any parishioner can come by to visit and pray. Usually, there are no set times. But every parish has its own rules, so call ahead to find out specifics.
A couple of articles where Pope Benedict XVI has recently talked about adoration:
http://www.zenit.org/article-22517?l=english
http://www.zenit.org/article-22193?l=english
A very good site to learn more about adoration and to find a location near you:
http://www.therealpresence.org/index.html