Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

[tony mattar]

When did Eucharistic Adoration begin ? was this traditional part of the Maronite Rite, or did they adopt it from the Latin Rite order
Also is there certain requirements for this spiritual activity, for example it is compulsory for someone to be infront at all times...specifically is there a structure that takes place.

[Stephen Spiteri]

As far as the history of Eucharistic Adoration is concerned, I highly recommend reading the following essay written by Fr. John A. Hardon S.J.: 'The History of Eucharistic Adoration (http://www.ewtn.com/library/homelibr/historea.txt)'.

Regarding the norms of "Eucharistic Adoration", canons 941 to 944 of the Code of Canon Law address how Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is to be conducted:


Can. 941 §1. In churches or oratories where it is permitted to reserve the Most Holy Eucharist, there can be expositions with the pyx or the monstrance; the norms prescribed in the liturgical books are to be observed.

§2. Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament is not to be held in the same area of the church or oratory during the celebration of Mass.

Can. 942 It is recommended that in these churches and oratories an annual solemn exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament be held for an appropriate period of time, even if not continuous, so that the local community more profoundly meditates on and adores the eucharistic mystery. Such an exposition is to be held, however, only if a suitable gathering of the faithful is foreseen and the established norms are observed.

Can. 943 The minister of exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and of eucharistic benediction is a priest or deacon; in special circumstances, the minister of exposition and reposition alone without benediction is the acolyte, extraordinary minister of holy communion, or someone else designated by the local ordinary; the prescripts of the diocesan bishop are to be observed.

Can. 944 §1. When it can be done in the judgment of the diocesan bishop, a procession through the public streets is to be held as a public witness of veneration toward the Most Holy Eucharist, especially on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

§2. It is for the diocesan bishop to establish regulations which provide for the participation in and the dignity of processions. - http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_P3C.HTM

[DavidObeid]

Hi Tony,

You'll find that very few if any of the Eastern Rites have a long tradition of Eucharistic Adoration, but this was for practical rather than theological reasons. Having been under persecution for so long, many Easter Rite Churches used to take extreme measures to protect the Eucharist from desacration. You can see evidence of this in the architecture of many churches - low doorways (to stop soldiers charging in), "safe rooms" where the priest could be locked away to be given a chance to consume the Eucharist if an attack came etc).

Because of the risk of desecration the practice of having Our Lord reserved in the Tabernacle was not common, and hence things like Eucharistic adoration were unable to flourish.