Eucharistic Adoration, Exposition, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

The Holy Eucharist is not just a symbol of God but actually is Jesus Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Eucharist is God! For more information on the Eucharist, see my page on the Eucharist.

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Eucharistic Adoration is a special deep time of prayer. It is the adoration of Our Lord, who is truly present in the Eucharistic Host.  The bread and wine at Mass each become and remain the Sacred Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.  In Eucharistic Adoration, we pray before the Eucharistic Host either in a monstrance or in the tabernacle. There are no set prayers during Adoration. People can pray the Rosary, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, or personal prayers. 

"Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. In the many churches that have this adoration, the Eucharist is displayed in a special holder called a monstrance, and people come to pray and worship Jesus continually throughout the day and often the night. Christ’s great love for us was shown when he was crucified on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and give us eternal life. He loves us without limit, and offers Himself to us in the Holy sacrament of the Eucharist. Can we not give Jesus a few minutes of love and adoration in return?" (Real Presence Association)

What is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament?

We can always pray to our Lord in the tabernacle. But sometimes our Lord is taken out of the tabernacle by a priest and placed in a monstrance. This is called Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, which is done for us to adore our Lord. The Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament typically traditionally begins with the recitation of the “O Salutaris Hosti.”

Some parishes have perpetual adoration chapels where you can visit and adore our Lord Jesus Christ at any time. Many saints would adore Jesus in the Eucharist for one hour a day. One of the most important life changes you can make is finding one hour each week to leave work or school or friends aside and just be present in adoration before Jesus. It can be a tremendous source of graces for you.

Find out if your parish has a time for Adoration. If not, find a nearby parish that does.

What is Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament?

In addition to Eucharistic Adoration, find a parish that offers Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Benediction starts with Exposition. After the O Salutaris Hostia is sung there is a period of silence when we may pray before Our Lord. After this period of silent prayer, the priest will often say the Divine Praises and the hymn, Tantum Ergo. He will then put on a special garment called a humeral veil and bless you with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. There are special indulgences associated with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.

Find out if your parish has Benediction. Some churches offer Benediction, usually on Sunday afternoons or Thursdays. If not, find a parish in your Diocese that does have Benediction. Attend Benediction within the next month.