A modern need for adoration

St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868) born near Grenoble in France – an Apostle of the Eucharist - and founder of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation is especially remembered today.  A strong feature of his life, as with so many saints, were the many trials and tribulations he faced in responding to his vocation from opposition within his family, especially his father, to difficulties in the religious congregation he joined and later in establishing the congregation he founded. His physical health was fragile throughout.  At a young age he felt drawn to the Blessed Sacrament and a vocation to the priesthood. 

The mission of the congregation he founded is to spread knowledge and love of Jesus in the Eucharist everywhere. In practice, many of its communities carry out this mission in the heart of major cities.  By happy coincidence,

the special prayer intentions of Pope Leo for this month are focused on evangelisation in the city:

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

The initiative and mission of St Peter was exactly this – to find new ways to proclaim the Good News as well as developing new and creative ways of meeting people where they are.  Both congregations founded by him (for men and women) devote themselves to contemplative prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, celebration of the Holy Mass and pastoral work in the heart of cities across the globe.

Someone suggested to me many decades ago that the charism or gift of the Blessed Sacrament congregation was somewhat ‘dated’. I presume that the person meant that silent adoration in some way takes from the Eucharist or, perhaps, is less important than apostolic or charitable work. The opposite is the case, in my  view. Never before does the world need the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the witness of a community gathered around the Blessed Sacrament in locations that are accessible and welcoming.

A special prayer for today:

Gracious God of our ancestors, you led Peter Julian Eymard, like Jacob in times past, on a journey of faith.  Under the guidance of your gentle Spirit, Peter Julian discovered the gift of love in the Eucharist which your son Jesus offered for the hungers of humanity.  Grant that we may celebrate this mystery worthily, adore it profoundly, and proclaim it prophetically for your greater glory. Amen.