Devotion to the Holy Eucharist is devotion to Christ himself, present throughout the centuries in the Sacred Host. Herein is contained “the whole spiritual good of the Church,”
Saint Faustina wrote in her diary : "I would not know how to give glory to God if I did not have the Eucharist in my heart." Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the fervent celebration of the Holy Mass, the worthy reception of Holy Communion and acts of reparation for the sins committed against this sacrament are all forms of devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Each propels us toward a more intimate and personal relationship with the Savior of the world.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament consists of spending time before Jesus, hidden in the consecrated host, but typically placed,
or exposed, in a beautiful vessel called a monstrance as pictured here. Try your best to commit to a visit at least once a week. Visit the Lord often, even if only for a few moments. Come to see Him on special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. Praise Him, adore Him, ask Him and thank Him for everything.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. A eucharistic procession, pictured above, is a public witness of the veneration toward the most holy Eucharist, conducted through public streets. A consecrated host – that is, the real and substantial presence of Jesus Christ: body, blood, soul and divinity – is placed within a monstrance, which is then lifted and carried by a priest who leads the faithful in procession. This earthly journey reminds the Catholic faithful of their spiritual journey toward eternal life with God.
When Jesus is not exposed in the monstrance He is typically still present in the tabernacle. The votive candle burning close to the tabernacle is an indication of His presence there in the form of reposed consecrated hosts. We are to show great respect to Our Lord’s presence in the tabernacle and it is a common practice in many parishes for people to regularly spend time in adoration and prayer there. A bow or genuflection with our body
and our spirit is a sign of our respect for the presence of Jesus. St. Faustina wrote about praying before the tabernacle particularly when she had a pressing spiritual need. Jesus wants us to approach Him there:
Behold, for you I have established a throne of mercy on earth – the tabernacle – and from this throne I desire to enter into your heart. I am not surrounded by a retinue or guards. You can come to me at any moment, at any time; I want to speak to you and desire to grant you grace.