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CalifMomma
Guest
What takes place at an hour long Eucharistic Adoration and can anyone participate?
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LilyM
Guest
The last part of your question is easy - absolutely anyone can participate, and I highly encourage you to do so!
The first part - well, the only essential element is that the Eucharistic Host will be displayed, usually somewhere near or on the altar, in a special precious-metal-and-glass vessel called a Monstrance. It can be placed on display without ceremony and ‘reposed’ (placed back in the Tabernacle afterwards) also without ceremony, though this rarely happens.
Traditionally Adoration begins or ends with a short (maybe five-minute) service called Benediction - where, accompanied by prayers, the Monstrance is incensed and the priest, wearing a special garment to cover his hands, will lift up the monstrance and make a sign of the cross with it. This is Christ Himself directly blessing those present (hence the covering of the priest’s hands).
As to what may happen during - well, almost anything! There may be a short Scripture reading and reflective talk by the priest, there may be hymns sung, instrumental music played or the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet recited aloud in the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. Even if this happens there should be at least some opportunity during the hour for quiet time, for the faithful to simply pray as they wish and commune with Our Lord.
The first part - well, the only essential element is that the Eucharistic Host will be displayed, usually somewhere near or on the altar, in a special precious-metal-and-glass vessel called a Monstrance. It can be placed on display without ceremony and ‘reposed’ (placed back in the Tabernacle afterwards) also without ceremony, though this rarely happens.
Traditionally Adoration begins or ends with a short (maybe five-minute) service called Benediction - where, accompanied by prayers, the Monstrance is incensed and the priest, wearing a special garment to cover his hands, will lift up the monstrance and make a sign of the cross with it. This is Christ Himself directly blessing those present (hence the covering of the priest’s hands).
As to what may happen during - well, almost anything! There may be a short Scripture reading and reflective talk by the priest, there may be hymns sung, instrumental music played or the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet recited aloud in the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. Even if this happens there should be at least some opportunity during the hour for quiet time, for the faithful to simply pray as they wish and commune with Our Lord.
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benedictgal
Guest
A good example would be to watch the Benediction and Exposition liturgy broadcast on EWTN late afternoon Sundays.
There is an entrance procession, just like the Mass, only the priest is vested in a cope (looks like a very ornate cape) the color of the current liturgical season (in this case, purple, for Lent). The priest goes up to the altar and removes the Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle and places the Host inside the Monstrance. All this happens while a Eucharistic hymn is sung or chanted. He then incenses the Blessed Sacrament and begins the service.
It can be like vespers (where pslams are chanted) and readings are proclaimed. The priest may preach. On other occasions, litanies and/or the rosary are prayed. Other times, there is sacred silence. On several occasions, my PV would use this sacred silence period to go to the confessional and hear confessions while the faithful engaged in quiet adoration.
Towards the end of the service, the priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament one more time and then imparts Benediction, wherein, wearing the humeral veil (his hands do not directly touch the Monstrance), he makes the sign of the Cross with the Monstrance to bless the faithful.
Then the Tatum Ergo is chanted as the priest reposes the Blessed Sacrament into the Tabernacle. Then, the Divine Praises are recited. That concludes the holy hour.
Anyone can participate in the Holy Hour, so long as they reverently follow the ritual or engage in silent prayer and adoration.
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CalifMomma
Guest
Thank you for the very detailed descriptions. They were very helpful. I appreciate the quick the responses. 
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ASimpleSinner
Guest
Anyone may participate…
And to be clear, there are two different possible answers to your question…
If by “an hour long Eucharistic Adoration” you are referring to solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament this is a liturgical service with many different prayers and sometimes hymns…
If by an “hour long Eucharistic Adoration” you are referring to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the context of an adoration chapel where the faithful may come and go from the chapel… Well if that is what you are meaning, truly many things can take place… Some people pray the rosary, read scriptures, fix their gaze on the exposed sacrament, or just sit or kneel or stand quietly and ask Jesus to come into their hearts.
po18guy
Well-known member
First, know that the Blessed Sacrament IS Christ. He is standing there before you. He intercedes for you before the Father. He loves you and is waiting to see you so that He can speak to your heart. Just go there to be with Him. He will take care of the rest. However, you may pray a silent (or aloud, if joining with others) Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, read scripture, or just sit and adore him.
Yes, anyone may go. Please, anyone, just go! Many hearts have been converted - to Him, to Catholicism from every other faith, or called back to faith just by spending time with Him. Bishop Fulton Sheen spent an hour daily with Christ. It showed. It still shows, as his cause for Beatification is in the process of being presented to the Vatican.
If we actually believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist, then adoration should be as well attended as mass! Late at night, during quiet, peaceful hours, is especially blessed. During Lent, when you are fasting, spend time with your Lord, as He fasts for your benefit.
I have been called to intercessory prayer before Him. I have seen Him work miracles. He is there! He is calling you. He loves you. Go to Him.
Christ’s peace be with you.
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
Eternal Life’s site is being rebuilt at the moment. They have a good Holy Hour booklet by Father Hardon - $2 each or $1 in lots of 100. I keep a couple in our adoration chapel. They disappear rather rapidly.
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grandfather
Guest
I have been going to the Perpetual Adoration chapel at a loval parish on Saturday mornings at 1:00 AM for over ten years. I have seen a lot of things happen there both externally and internally. It has also transformed this parish. Before hardly anyone went to confession. Now there are lines with two priests. There also have been quite a few new vocations. Try it, you will like it.
po18guy
Well-known member
Amen! Truer words were never spoken.
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