Eucharistic Adoration

June 19, 2004

This month’s pro-life message is about the great Doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas and his love of the Eucharist. His works glorify God. Pope Urban IV asked him to write a whole liturgical celebration for the new feast of Corpus Christi (Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ). St. Thomas composed this Feast’s Mass and Office which have been called the literary masterpieces of the Catholic liturgy.
“St. Thomas wrote immediately after a time when some theologians tried to reduce the Eucharist to mere symbol…. St. Thomas also points out that in the Eucharist, Christ is present in His humanity – His manhood – as well as His divinity…Pray with St. Thomas and you will part of an exciting new Catholic revival – a spiritual revival, but a cultural one as well… “Pange, Lingua” is the Corpus Christi hymn most often sung….
Tantum ergo Sacramentum Down in Adoration falling
Veneremur cernui Lo! The sacred host we hail
These words written by the great theologian St. Thomas Aquinas have inspired millions over the past seven centuries. St. Thomas’s devotion to the Eucharist was profound. His brother Dominicans recalled that he would spend hours kneeling before the tabernacle. When he faced a particular difficult problem, he would lean against the Tabernacle, as if to rest against the Master’s heart as did the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper.” P. 13, 15, 18, 30, 74 “Praying in the Presence of Our Lord With St. T. Aquinas” by Mike Aquilina – Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. Editor, O.S.V. 2001
“I (Pope John Paul II) urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic adoration and devotion.” Letter to Bishop of Liege, May 28, 1996
Praying with St. Thomas is part of the Diocese of Atlanta with Reverend John Donoghue, the Archbishop who has a strong devotion to the Eucharist. He started this devotion for all churches 10 years ago. Every year he has a one day Eucharistic Congress. Nine years ago, there were 5,000 in attendance. This year, they are expecting at least 20,000 on June 12th at the Georgia International Convention Center.
Today, the Atlanta Cathedral and ten other churches have 24 hr. daily Eucharistic Devotion. Twelve churches have it once a week, and twenty-five once a month. It is noteworthy that during this time the Atlanta Diocese has built three new High Schools and three Elementary Schools. (Taken from an interview by Raymond Arroya, World Over Live, EWTN Television, June 8th, 2004)
In our diocese, we have Eucharistic Adoration monthly with a different day at each church. The one hour Eucharistic Adoration can bring about miracles not only in our lives but prayers for the closure of abortion sites & for our country in the Nov. election.

At the World Eucharist Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, Oct. 14-17th, 2004, Pope John Paul II will proclaim the Year of the Eucharist- 2005. It will end with the ordinary Senate of Bishops, Oct. 2-29th, 2005.
Fraternally yours,
George H. Kubeck, (Appropriate for today and in this month of the Sacred Heart)
Pro-Life Chairman, June 14th, 2004 for July Bulletin
Knights of Columbus, Cypress Council #8599 & 4th Degree Mission San Juan Capistrano Assembly 0062,