The Diocese of Salina, Kansas, increased adoration hours in its 86 parishes through a campaign. The 'Adoration for Peace' campaign, led by the Adoratio Foundation, ran for three and a half months. The campaign aimed to encourage parishioners to start regular adoration practices. The initiative was inspired by the National Eucharistic Congress held last summer.
5 months ago
The Diocese of Salina, Kansas, has significantly increased its Eucharistic adoration hours, adding 26,000 more Holy Hours annually, as part of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival in the United States 1. This surge in devotion was spurred by a three-and-a-half-month "Adoration for Peace" campaign 1.
The "Adoration for Peace" campaign was spearheaded by the Beloit, Kansas-based Adoratio Foundation, running from Ash Wednesday through Corpus Christi, following the National Eucharistic Congress 1. Adoratio's research indicated that typically only 3% to 7% of parishioners participate in adoration 1. To address this, the foundation focused on enlisting adoration coordinators in each of the diocese's 86 parishes, aiming to personally invite every parishioner to begin a regular prayer life in Eucharistic adoration 1.
The campaign yielded substantial results across the diocese 1. Thirty-two parishes that previously did not offer adoration now do, and an additional 34 parishes expanded their existing adoration hours 1. This collective effort has led to an increase of 500 weekly Holy Hours, translating to 26,000 more Holy Hours annually 1.
Parishioners and clergy have observed a tangible spiritual impact and a renewed enthusiasm for the Eucharist 1. Tym Bonilla and Jeannie Hrabe of Sacred Heart Cathedral noted a "buzz" and increased community awareness and attendance 1. Father Keith Weber of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish reported seeing significantly more people, often 10 to 15, praying in the chapel, a rare occurrence before the campaign 1. Mona Marrs, another adorer, believes this devotion fosters the virtues of God within the diocese, opening a new light and allowing Christ's light to shine through participants 1. She also shared that her grandchildren enjoy attending adoration, finding it a time to "pray with Jesus" and listen to Him 1.
Bishop Gerald Vincke of Salina has fully endorsed the Eucharistic effort, emphasizing its transformative power 1. He highlighted that while many evangelization efforts are attempted, Eucharistic adoration is paramount because it transforms hearts, a crucial need for the country and the world 1. Bishop Vincke himself maintains a daily Holy Hour 1.
What is the Church's teaching on Eucharistic adoration?
The Catholic Church teaches that Eucharistic adoration is a profound expression of faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and is intrinsically linked to the celebration of the Mass . It is considered a practice of "inestimable value for the life of the Church" .
The foundation of Eucharistic adoration lies in the belief that Christ Himself is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine . This presence endures as long as the species of bread and wine remain . Therefore, Christ in the Eucharist is to be honored with the worship of adoration . Pope John Paul II emphasized that in beholding the Word made flesh, sacramentally present in the Eucharist, the eyes of our bodies are united with the eyes of faith in gazing upon "Emmanuel, 'God with us'" .
Eucharistic adoration is not separate from the Mass but is a natural consequence and extension of the Eucharistic celebration . The presence of Christ in the reserved species derives from the sacrifice of the Mass and is directed towards communion, both sacramental and spiritual . The adoration expresses the connection between the celebration of the Lord's Sacrifice and His continued presence in the Sacrament of the Altar .
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament serves several purposes and offers numerous spiritual benefits:
The Church earnestly recommends Eucharistic adoration to pastors and the faithful . Pastors are encouraged to promote this practice, including exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, through their personal witness . Various forms of Eucharistic devotion are encouraged, such as personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Hours of Adoration, periods of exposition (short, prolonged, and annual Forty Hours), Eucharistic benediction, and Eucharistic processions . The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, with its traditional procession, is also highlighted as an act of public worship to Christ present in the Eucharist .
The presence of Jesus in the tabernacle is meant to be a "magnetic pole attracting an ever greater number of souls enamoured of him, ready to wait patiently to hear his voice and, as it were, to sense the beating of his heart" . The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes that "To visit the Blessed Sacrament is... a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord" .