CATHOLICS in Toowoomba and beyond have reason to be delighted as news spreads of the restoration of public exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the heart of the business district of the city.
For many years perpetual exposition was conducted by the Blessed Sacrament Fathers at the “shrine” in Ruthven St. Thousands of people, including many non-Catholics, found a place of quiet prayer and inspiration there amidst the business of city life.
This “oasis” of spirituality is now re-established in the chapel on the southern side of the shrine building. With the blessing of Bishop Morris, a number of earnest lay people have arranged this spiritual service for the people who work and shop in the city centre. Exposition takes place from 9am till 4.30pm Monday to Friday each week. Apart from the 60 and more people on roster, many people are already finding their way there for quiet prayer.
This revival in the heart of the city underlines the fact that eucharistic adoration is not merely a fringe devotion in the Church. It has its roots in the truth of the incarnation.
Christ became man not only to be our redeemer, but also to be our companion – “God-with-us”. Through his continuing presence in the Eucharist, Jesus extends to us the companionship he shared with the apostles. God is never more “with us” than he is in the eucharistic presence.
Also, as we adore Christ present in the Eucharist, we are surely in an intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity of which Christ is always the second person in that circle of endless life.
Likewise, we are very near the act of our redemption as we pray before the Lord who “is always living to make intercession for us”.
So, eucharistic adoration is not just another devotion in the Church. It is intimately bound up with the three principal mysteries of our Faith – the Trinity, Incarnation and Redemption.
It is sad if, in some Catholic quarters, this marvellous mystery of the Real Presence is misunderstood and underrated.
FR J. RYAN PP Helidon, Qld
