What is Adoration?

Adoration is short for Eucharistic Adoration. It is a place where we can go and adore our Lord Jesus Christ in the form of the Blessed Sacrament outside of the holy mass itself.

The Blessed Sacrament itself is kept inside a clear glass receptacle known as the “luna” which is placed into an ornate vessel known as the “monstrance” which is in turn placed on the altar for all to behold.
In the fourth part of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, under the “Christian Prayer” section, paragraph 2628 sums up Adoration:

2628 Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.

We are blessed at St. Mary Mother of God Church to have the opportunity to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day. To maintain the gift of 24 hour adoration requires a dedicated community willing to commit one hour per week to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone.

One of the most powerful testimonials I have heard comes from a fellow participant in a Life in the Spirit seminar I attended recently. Although I am paraphrasing and taking some liberties in the wording, her overall message was:

“When I look at the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, I am pulled into something special. I am transported from one place to all places at once, united through Jesus Christ to all my brothers and sisters around the world that are adoring Jesus with me at that time and at all times.”