The following is a guest post from Fr. Brian Beal, a priest of the Diocese of Columbus and a tireless advocate for the Real Presence.
Through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Congregation for the Clergy, on December 8th, 2007, offered powerful recommendations to Bishops throughout the world to grow Jesus' Eucharistic kingdom. The encouragement given was based on Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis.
The following is a summary of the Congregation's proposed plan of action:
- That every diocese appoint a priest to devote his full-time work to bolstering belief in the Real Presence and growing love of Jesus through Eucharistic adoration.
- That perpetual Eucharistic adoration be established, especially in densely populated areas at churches and oratories. These locations would be designated "Eucharistic Shrines" where an appointed priest could reside as rector.
- That special emphasis be placed on catechizing the youth—notably those preparing for First Holy Communion—on the value and beauty of spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic adoration.
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament influenced these ideas, which were issued on the great Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. She longs for the pure love of her heart for her Son to be extended through the hearts of all her children when receiving Holy Communion and adoring the Lord.
Here is how we can all help. Please join Mary in praying and offering sacrifice for the actualization of the Congregation's directives.
- Prayerfully imagine if every diocese enjoyed having a holy, humble priest working full-time to grow love for the Sacrament of Love.
- Ponder the power of more perpetual adoration chapels opening in parishes around the world.
- Dream of how glorious it would be for First Holy Communicants to better know and love spending time with Jesus, who is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist.
Catholics worldwide are called to pray and offer up sacrifices, united to the Immaculate Heart, so that this incredible desire of heaven may come to pass more speedily. When you receive Holy Communion or renew your daily Marian Consecration, remember how you are called to pray and offer up sacrifices for this very intention.
To read the Congregation's recommendations in full, please visit the USCCB website.
May Our Lady, Mother of the Eucharist, obtain for each of us a deeper love of her Son in this most holy Sacrament. 🙏
Fr. Brian Beal is a priest of the Diocese of Columbus. He will come to your parish, offer Holy Mass, preach on the Real Presence, and catechize on the beauty and power of Eucharistic adoration. For more information, please contact Fr. Brian at 724-813-3298 or [email protected].