It is the worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass. The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ. Adoration begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a ceremony in which a priest or deacon removes the Sacred Host from the tabernacle and places it in the lunette of the monstrance, or ostensorium, and elevates it so that all adorers can see it. Incense may be used. O Salutaris Hostia or similar hymn is usually sung at the beginning of exposition, followed by a period of meditation, praise, and adoration. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Tantum Ergo hymn is chanted, with another incensation, and is followed by a blessing of the people with the raised monstrance in the form of a cross. During the blessing the priest or deacon wears the humeral veil covering his hands and a small bell is rung. The Divine Praises are then sung or recited, and the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle. You can find the hymn text and prayers in the back of our Missalette in the pews.
What do you do during Eucharistic Adoration?
Eucharistic Adoration at Our Lady of the Visitation is held inside the Church. As a form of respect, you should always genuflect when you see the Lord in the Host. Maintain an attitude of respect, and if others are present, silence. Kneeling, sitting or standing before the Blessed Sacrament are all appropriate forms of prayer. This is your time with Christ. Eucharistic Adoration, the act of worshiping God as He is present in the consecrated Eucharist, stems from the Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Christ promised He would never leave us, and He has not! He is present with us through the Mass and through the Eucharist.
Ways to adore our Lord:
· Sit quietly and just “be” in the presence of God. Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you. · Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours. Whether you are praising, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness or seeking an answer, you’ll find an appropriate psalm. The ancient prayer of the Church called the Liturgy of the Hours is an excellent way to pray with the entire Church. · Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others. Think of those who have hurt you and request a blessing for them. Ask God to forgive you for the times you have hurt or neglected someone else. Bring all those who have asked you to pray for them, before the Lord. · Pray the rosary. Ask Mary to join you as you gaze on Christ in the Eucharist and as you pray the rosary. · Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her. Most holy men and women have had a great devotion to our Lord in the Eucharist. · Meditate using the scriptures. Choose a passage from the Bible. Read the words and ask God to let the passage speak to you. · Pray the Stations of the Cross · Have a conversation with God. Tell him about your day, express your gratitude for the blessings in your life, share with Him your worries and concerns · Pray a Litany of Trust or any other litany The opportunities for prayer are truly endless. This is your intimate time with Christ; if you feel uncertain what to do, ask Him. We must understand that in order ‘to do’, we must first learn ‘to be,’ that is to say, in the sweet company of Jesus in Adoration. St. John Paul II
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church Say About Adoration?
#2096 - Adoration is the first act of the virtue of religion. To adore God is to acknowledge him as God, as the Creator and Savior, the Lord and Master of everything that exists, as infinite and merciful Love. "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve," says Jesus, citing Deuteronomy. #2628 - Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications. Resources: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/eucharistic-devotion/ http://www.therealpresence.org/index.html
Adoration - prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for veneration. Adoration itself is a personal act of piety and is not governed by liturgical norms. Benediction - the blessing given by a priest or deacon using the Blessed Sacrament contained in a monstrance. Boat - the vessel that holds the incense. Ciborium - a covered container used to hold the consecrated small Hosts. It is similar to a chalice but covered and larger. Cope - a long mantle or cloak, open in the front and fastened at the breast with a clasp. Genuflection - the act of bending the right knee to the floor and rising up again to reverence the Blessed Sacrament or demonstrate penitence. Exposition - the displaying of the Blessed Sacrament outside of the tabernacle in a monstrance or ciborium, for the veneration of the faithful. Exposition is a liturgical rite and is thus governed by its own norms. Humeral Veil - the sacred vestment that covers the shoulders and hands of the minister, with flaps or pockets, so to carry the Blessed Sacrament or give Benediction without actually touching the sacred items. It is also used at the Chrism Mass to carry the holy oils. Luna - circular glass case that contains the Host and is placed into the monstrance for adoration. Monstrance - the sacred vessel used to expose the Host for adoration or Eucharistic procession. Reposition - returning the Blessed Sacrament to the tabernacle after a time of exposition. Thurible - the vessel used to burn incense. Thurifer - the server who takes care of the thurible and incense during the liturgy.