Sydney Archdiocese has launched a series of formation sessions to grow appreciation for Eucharistic Adoration across the archdiocese ahead of the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress, Eucharist28. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The formation sessions were created in response to many parishioners expressing a longing to pray better and understand more deeply the theology behind the Eucharistic Adoration.
The first session brought parishioners, acolytes and cantors from across the South West Deanery for an evening of theology, history, music and adoration, centred on the Eucharist, to St Christopher’s Catholic church in Holsworthy, on March 4.
Sydney Archdiocese’s Liturgy Office director, Mariusz Biliniewicz, who led the formation on Eucharistic Adoration theology and history, wanted to explain to the participants “why we celebrate Adoration in the first place and why it matters”.
“We wanted to help acolytes and altar servers with preparing and assisting at the ceremony of the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, so we addressed some very practical matters,” Dr Biliniewicz said.
“We also wanted to help cantors and musicians with preparing a dignified musical setting that would be worthy of the occasion.
“Finally, and most importantly, we wanted everyone to have a great formational experience of the Holy Hour in the church, after the training.”
Following the formation, Director of the Jubilate Deo Programme, Ronan Reilly, spent an hour reviewing some core chants that have been sung for hundreds of years in honour of the Blessed Sacrament.
“Our mission at Jubilate Deo Programme is to bring sacred music to as many people as possible and to encourage people in their sacred music journey,” Mr Reilly said.
“The collective group sound was very impressive, especially considering most people had no background or experience of singing.”
Both presenters received positive feedback, with many commenting that the formation led to a Holy Hour that was beautiful, dignified and a transformative experience.
Some participants commented on the importance of silence that accompanied the Adoration and how much such holy silence is needed in today’s often hectic and noisy world which, with all its distractions, leaves little space for reflection.
“It was very moving to see so many people simply praying or meditating in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” Dr Biliniewicz said.
“I hope that many participants will try to help their own parishes to make this experience available also in their churches.”
There are a number of formation sessions being run across the Sydney Archdiocese in March and May. Details: Click here to register your participation in the next session.
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Adoration formation sessions deepen love of Eucharist across Sydney (By Mathew De Sousa, The Catholic Weekly)
