Graces From Our Eucharistic Lord

Perpetual Adoration Chapel:St John the Apostle Church

My parish celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Given that adoration began on this date, I know that Our Lady has had much to do with the longevity of the chapel.
To mark this great occasion, we had a four day parish mission given by two of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. These two priests were very powerful preachers. Their homilies were wonderful, full of reminders of how much Jesus loves us to remain with us in this Most Blessed Sacrament.
Friday and Saturday were the most powerful and beautiful of the entire mission. There was exposition of the Blessed Sacrament both nights, on Friday night, to go along with his homily on the healing power of the Eucharist, Fr. Giuseppe held a healing prayer service at the end of which you were invited to come forward as he went from person to person with Jesus in the monstrance. Saturday evening continued the healing theme, but this time with Jesus as Divine Physician in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
For me personally this was the most powerful evening. I enjoyed Fr. Giuseppe's homilies and got the sense he would be a good confessor. Despite two of our parish priests hearing confessions, I still had to wait an hour and a half to have my confession heard. It was worth the wait. That wait was also spent prayerfully as there was exposition that night as well. Normally when I am on line for confession, I am a little jittery, not so on this night. Waiting in Jesus' exposed Presence had a very calming effect. It had been some time since my last confession, and I had made up my mind that I would go during the mission.
I don't know if you have ever had the experience of a priest telling you what your root sin is, but this happened during my confession. Strangely and divinely enough, I had been thinking about exactly what Father told me. This truly was one of my best confessions.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist really do go hand in hand. We need both desperately. One gets us ready for the other, and both sustain us spiritually.
Many graces were poured out over the course of these four days, not only on me individually, but also on our parish. Our Lord's gifts and generosity are never out done. May He be praised, adored, worshiped and loved always and everywhere.

Comments

CWrites said…
Beautiful post, Karin. I've had that experience of Jesus in the Monstrance being brought right by me for a personal blessing. It does fill you with awe. Happy for you having great confession too. May God continue to bless you.
"Fr. Giuseppe held a healing prayer service at the end of which you were invited to come forward as he went from person to person with Jesus in the monstrance."

I wish I was there ... I really wish.

God bless.
Unknown said…
Thanks Colleen, Colleen and Victor.
As I said in the post~many graces were poured out over those four days.
Recently in Confession the priest pointed out my root sin, too. I kept thinking about how Jesus was telling me this Himself. It was a special blessing to experience this.

I'm so glad you posted this about the many graces given during the parish mission. It always encourages me to see so many people who want to be closer to God. He loves us so much to bring good priests to us as you experienced.
Mary N. said…
You are so blessed to have perpetual Adoration at your parish, Karin. Plus, I would love it if a priest discerned my root sin! I'm pretty sure I know but a confirmation by someone with the gift of discernment would be awesome. What a gift that is! Can I come visit your parish? Lol! Seriously though, I think it's very helpful to have this kind of knowledge about ourselves. Amazing things happen in Jesus' presence, don't they? May Our Lord continue to bless you this Advent!
Daily Grace said…
Wow, what a beautiful post! Not to sound silly, but I think of all the people waiting to see Santa with their children, they wait a long time!! Would they ever wait an hour and a half to tell Jesus they were sorry for their sins? Maybe they would, of course some would, but being this busy time of year I could not help but make the analogy, seeing all the long lines in my mind..

God has blessed you greatly, thank you for sharing your blessing with us.
Unknown said…
Barb,
It is so true, that while I didn't think about it while in confession, but it is Jesus speaking to us through His priests. Glad you were edified by this post.

Mary,
Any time you are in NJ please do visit us :)The amazing thing about this priest is that he was just ordained this past May. He definitely has a gift for discerning.

DG,
I love the analogy of waiting for Santa. In this case it was even better; I got what I asked for and so much more!

Thanks for your thoughts on this one ladies, and continued Advent blessings to you all.