Millions of people around the world took part in an hour of Solemn Eucharistic Adoration on Sunday evening.
Pope
Francis led the unprecedented, worldwide event from Saint Peter’s
Basilica in Rome. Catholic faithful throughout the world took part in
their own Cathedrals and churches, and followed the event on television,
radio, and the internet.
The Holy Father asked that this time of
Eucharistic Adoration be offered especially for: For the Church spread
throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy
Eucharist as a sign of unity: May the Lord make her ever more obedient
to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more
beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’
That
through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still
resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full
meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.
For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are
victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labor. For
the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence.
May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that,
gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers
and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those
who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for
the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and
those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its
active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength
and courage in defending human dignity.
Solemn Adoration consisted of Gospel readings taken from Christ’s
Eucharistic discourse in the Gospel of Saint John, chapter six, along
with traditional Eucharistic hymns and chants.
Prayers from each of the
past six popes, beginning with Pope Pius XII and concluding with Pope
Benedict XVI, were offered during Adoration, with invocations for the
needs of all mankind.
The ceremony concluded with the Tantum ergo and solemn benediction with the Blessed Sacrament by Pope Francis.