What is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration?

Image of Pope John Paul II

As an essential part of the Catholic Faith, we have always believed in the Real Presence (see John Chapter 6). Jesus said, "This is my body" and we believe Him. The body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus is really, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Since Christ is really and truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics the world over who love and worship our Savior Jesus Christ, find it fitting that He be worshipped 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

That is what Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is all about.

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, opened a chapel of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration with Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance in St. Peter's Basilica on December 2, 1981. In his opening prayer, "Stay with us, Lord," the Pope urged all parishes to begin Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

In his homily in June 1993 at the 45th International Eucharistic Congress in Seville, Spain the Pope expressed this wish:

"I hope that this form of perpetual adoration, with permanent exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, will continue into the future. Specifically, I hope that the fruit of this Congress results in the establishment of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in all parishes and Christian communities throughout the world." -- (Signs of the Times 6,2, p. 10)
In addition, many bishops throughout the world have begun Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in their dioceses and have presided in the opening ceremonies. There are bishops in the United States and elsewhere who have had priests working in their dioceses devoted to helping parishes start perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.