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<h3>John Paul II on Eucharistic Adoration</h3>
Aug
20
Written by:
Sunday, August 20, 2006
20th Sunday Ordinary Time
August 20th , 2006
The US Conference of Bishops has just published a book entitled Book of Readings on the Eucharist, and in light of this Sunday's gospel on Jesus, the Bread of Life from John 6, I wish to quote Pope John Paul II from this book in an article entitled The Eucharist Builds the Church. Both Pope Benedict XVI and John Paul II are/were firm supporters that every parish should have constant adoration of the Blessed Sacrament! (There is a copy of this book in the adoration chapel).
Fr Gary
It is the responsibility of pastors to encourage, also by their personal witness, the practice of Eucharistic adoration, and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in particular....
It is pleasant to spend time with Him, to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. John 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in his heart. If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the "art of prayer," how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament? How often, my brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation and support!
"Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us" (St Alphonsus Ligouri). The Eucharist is a priceless treasure: not only by celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace.
In the course of the day the faithful should not omit visiting the Blessed Sacrament....Such visits are a sign of gratitude, an expression of love, and an acknowledgement of the Lord's presence.
Pope John Paul II
Quoted from "The Eucharist builds the Church"
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