Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - In this Year of the Eucharist and to commemorate the day when Venezuela was solemnly consecrated to the Blessed Sacrament on 2 July 1899, in January this year the Pontifical Mission Societies in Venezuela, Holy Childhood in particular, started a series of Days of Adoration for children all over the country. The aim was to teach children that Jesus is “love which has no end!” (1 Cor 13,8) and help them experience and adore His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. The initiative called “Spark of Love”, with the slogan “Love without end! He is here let us adore Him! ”, consisted in a series of Days of Adoration involving children members of Holy Childhood and friends and adults.
According to the calendar of events every diocesan PMS office worked with respective mission delegates to organise hours of Adoration, Masses, processions with the Blessed Sacrament, diocesan, parish and provincial meetings and other activities. Children members of Holy Childhood, animators and collaborators all across the country felt united in prayer for four months.
Intentions proposed for children’s prayers during Adoration included vocations to the priesthood, because the ministry of the priest makes it possible to render concrete the mystery of the Eucharist. “Spark of Love” planned for children also reminded adults that the prayers of children are the purest praise of the Lord.
The schema of the Adoration was simple adapted according to the age group with songs, simple prayers of praise, forgiveness, thanksgiving and petition. Not lacking was missionary commitment put in writing on a paper heart by every child indicating the attitude to change in view of better mission and then put in a basket in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
The initiative will culminate with a National Eucharistic Meeting with 2,500 children from all over the country on Saturday 22 October at the National Sports Institute, Velodromo Teo Carriles di Caracas. The programme includes a Marian prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the celebration of Mass, an act of homage to the late Pope John Paul II, and a welcome to Pope Benedict XVI and activities of animation. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2005, righe 33, parole 469)
