Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

(Every Friday 9am - 3pm followed by Mass & Benediction)

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Gerard Majella is a form of public and private prayer which has a long tradition in the Church, and is earnestly recommended to her pastors and faithful. Its theology derives from Holy Thursday and the altar of repose, following the celebration of the Lord's Supper. This adoration is the most appropriate way of expressing the connection between the celebration of the memorial of the Lord's Sacrifice and His continued presence in the Sacrament of the Altar. The practice of reserving the Blessed Sacrament, as Viaticum to the sick and dying, has encouraged this practice among the faithful of prayer and recollection before the tabernacle and to worship Christ present in the Sacrament.  In ancient times the consecrated bread was also reserved in order that it might be dropped into the chalice at the next Mass as a fermentum (laven). This custom was intended to give expression to the fact that despite the interval in time, between the services, the eucharist was in fact one with every other eucharist.

In adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we the faithful, offer our entire lives with Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit. We derive from this sublime colloquy an increase of faith, hope and charity. Thus the faithful who foster the right disposition will be able with due devotion to celebrate the memorial of the Lord and receive frequently the bread given to us by the Father.

During these periods of adoration the faithful should be encouraged to read the Scriptures, since they afford an unrivalled source of prayer. Suitable hymns and canticles based on those of the Liturgy of the Hours and the liturgical seasons could also be encouraged, as well as periods of silent prayer and reflection. Gradually, the faithful should be encouraged not to do other devotional exercises during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Given the close relationship between Christ and Our Lady, the Rosary can always be of assistance in giving prayer a Christological orientation, since it contains meditation on the Incarnation and the Redemption.

Frequently Used Prayers

To our Blessed Mother

Blessed Mother, our Lady of the most Blessed Sacrament, be with me at this time which I am spending in the presence of your divine Son. I ask you to be my companion and to help me. Reveal your divine Son to me, O Mary. Make me love Him as you did and inspire me to live for Him. Amen.

To the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your divine Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit has taught the hearts of the faithful, grant, that by the assistance of the same Holy Spirit, we may ever walk in the path of righteousness and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Communion

Most loving Jesus, I adore You with a lively faith. You are present in this Sacrament by virtue of Your infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. Although conscious of my unworthiness, I place all my hope in You. I love You, O Lord, with all my heart and I desire to receive You now spiritually. Come therefore, O Lord, to me in spirit. Feed me, for I am hungry; strengthen me, for I am weak; enliven and sanctify me with Your sacred Body and Blood. Deliver me from all sin and make me always obedient to Your commands. Let me never be separated from You, my Savior, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign one God forever and ever. Amen.