Stand Alone Pages on 'Musings of an Old Curmudgeon'

23 July 2024

Eucharistic Adoration for Children

"Public and private devotion to the Holy Eucharist outside Mass is highly recommended: for the presence of Christ, who is adored by the faithful in the Sacrament, derives from the sacrifice and is directed towards sacramental and spiritual communion." (Inaestimabile Donum, #20, 1980)

From Everyday For Life Canada

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches this about Eucharistic adoration:

Adoration is the first act of the virtue of religion. To adore God is to acknowledge him as God, as the Creator and Savior, the Lord and Master of everything that exists, as infinite and merciful Love. "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve," says Jesus, citing Deuteronomy (2095).

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 (2628)

Pope John Paul II strongly promoted the devotion of Eucharistic Adoration:

"I hope that this form of perpetual adoration, with permanent exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, will continue into the future." (International Eucharistic Congress in Seville, Spain June 1993)

"Public and private devotion to the Holy Eucharist outside Mass is highly recommended: for the presence of Christ, who is adored by the faithful in the Sacrament, derives from the sacrifice and is directed towards sacramental and spiritual communion." (Inaestimabile Donum, #20, 1980)

"The Church and the world have great need of Eucharistic adoration. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and contemplation full of faith. And let us be ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. May our adoration never cease." (Dominicae Cenae: Letter to Priests, Holy Thursday, 1980)

"Closeness to the Eucharistic Christ in silence and contemplation does not distance us from our contemporaries but, on the contrary, makes us open to human joy and distress, broadening our hearts on a global scale. Through adoration the Christian mysteriously contributes to the radical transformation of the world and to the sowing of the gospel. Anyone who prays to the Eucharistic Savior draws the whole world with him and raises it to God." (Letter to the Bishop of Liege, Reported in L'Osservatore Romano, 1996)

Watch this inspiring EWTN video to see how Eucharistic Adoration can bring children closer to Christ, especially those who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. The program teaches children about the devotion and is appropriately named "Children of the Eucharist." Why not consider bringing it to your parish? Introduce it for the children who are learning their catechism for their First Holy Communion.

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