Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Fides Service) - A National Congress for Eucharistic Night Adorers opened on 3 April will close on 1 October with a solemn prayer vigil at Spain’s geographical-spiritual heart the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, in Getafe, Madrid, Cerro de los Ángeles, where in 1919 King Alfonso XIII consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At least one thousand night adorers are expected to take part in the prayer and act of re-consecration to the Divine Heart of Jesus.
The closing ceremony will start with a welcome address and a parade of the groups and banners. The prayer vigil will start at 10.30 presided by the Bishop of Getafe Joaquin Lopez de Andujar y Canovas del Castillo. At 11.45 the Blessed Sacrament procession will move to the ruins of the nation’s famous monument to the Sacred Heart destroyed during the Spanish civil war, where there will be an act of reparation. The vigil will conclude with Benediction and a hymn to Our Lady of the Angels.
“Stay with us Lord. Eucharist source and summit of the Church’s Mission” has been the theme of the congress articulated in four theological, formative and pastoral sessions in cities renowned for devotion to the Eucharist Daroca, Villarreal, Seville, Toledo, Leon, Madrid. Over 3,500 night adorers attended each session with the local bishop who led the solemn vigil and procession. The aim of the was “to bear witness in these difficult times to the real presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and offer adorers an opportunity to deepen both faith and commitment”.
Each Session included a main theological conference, panel discussion and a solemn Prayer Vigil and procession with the Blessed Sacrament. Themes for reflection focused on various aspects of the Sacrament of the Eucharist related to personal prayer and liturgical worship: “Mary’s school of the Eucharist ”, “Sunday, principal Christian feast day”, “Real presence and Adoration”, “Eucharist mystery of faith”; “Eucharist project of solidarity”. Panels focussed on: “Mystagogy: Spirituality of the Mass, the rites, prayers, symbols of the Eucharistic Celebration”; “Eucharist and Popular Religiosity; “Catechesis on the Eucharist”; “Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours”.
Bishop Julian Lopez Martin of Leon diocese which hosted the fourth and final session of this major church event encouraged adoration groups to persevere: “your vocation to adore God in the Eucharist by night is a grace and a most important witness for the Church. The Holy Spirit continues to foster all kinds of charisma and apostolic activity, and contemplation, care for spiritual life nourished with prayer should be a most important pastoral priority for every disciple of Jesus including very people busy who find little time for prayer”. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 29/9/2005, righe 40, parole 527)
