By Tony Humeston
For The Catholic Messenger
One-hour adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been a monthly event at Saint Patrick Parish in Melrose for the last 12 years. My wife and I have been blessed to attend most of these monthly gatherings. When we enter the church and kneel in the presence of Jesus — his body, blood, soul, and divinity — my emotional response has always been awe and wonder.
To say this hour of adoration is spiritually uplifting is an understatement. The hour passes too quickly. I have never been bored; no two hours are the same. Adoration becomes addictive. Many of our fellow adorers have been with us since we started. The hour soon becomes an important part of their religious life. You will be amazed at the spiritual uplifting this hour will give you.
It is not difficult to implement the practice of adoration in a parish. All it takes is desire and some willing participants. Two or three people can get the ball rolling. Try it. You will be astounded at how easy it is to get started. After all, the Holy Spirit will guide you. This is a perfect project for an Altar and Rosary group or the local Knights of Columbus council.
For more information contact Barry at blhannan@ gmail.com or Tony at tonyhumeston@mediacombb.net.
(Tony Humeston is a member of St. Mary Parish in Albia.)