by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto
One of the most sacred doctrines that we, as Catholics, believe is that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is truly present in the holy Eucharist!
Under the appearances of bread and wine, he is available for worship, praise, and adoration. We acknowledge his presence at the consecration of the holy Mass when the priest or bishop says the words that Jesus spoke at the Last Supper, surrounded by his chosen Twelve Apostles. We are fed from that Eucharistic table, and our spiritual life is nourished and strengthened as we Catholics approach the altar in the Communion procession.
We know that Jesus is present in our tabernacles, where the red candle is burning, as he awaits further distribution to the sick and the homebound. We know that Jesus Christ is present when the sacred host is placed in the monstrance for adoration — time to simply adore him!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the Mass and has often been called “the Mass contemplated.” That means adoration gives us time to prayerfully and quietly reflect on the fruit of the Mass, which is a direct contact with God in his saving message of salvation and in his loving presence in the Bread of Life, which promises us our eternal redemption.
Each time we, as Catholics, are privileged to receive the Eucharist, Jesus pledges to us a life that never ends. Every opportunity to adore the holy Eucharist gives us a chance to express our love to our God.
As the parishioner of the parish church in Ars said to St. John Vianney, when asked why he stares at the monstrance in silent prayer for long periods, “I look at God, and God looks at me.” This statement describes the very heart of contemplation.
From my early youth, I remember serving as an altar boy during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of every month. The adoration began after the last Mass and continued until 9 p.m.
Altar boys at that time (1950s and 1960s) were assigned to keep watch by remaining in the sanctuary in a prayerful mode. The priest in charge always assigned me the supper hour, either 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m., to take my turn.
He knew I lived close to the church (that’s also why I served the early Mass frequently at 6:30 a.m.), and it would not be problematic to return home quickly for a late supper when necessary.
Often at that hour, I was alone in the church (Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria). I felt very close to God in those moments, and as I got older, I realized how close I really was at that time.
I heard the call of Jesus inviting me to consider being a priest in those quiet moments, alone with him, in the presence of the real presence — himself in the Eucharist.
Fast forward to 2026. Attending outdoor Eucharistic adoration at the Parish of St. Luke in Whitestone, where I am in residence, gave me and all the parishioners who were present another wonderful gift: to be in his presence and adore him, for he is our Lord and God!
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto is a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn.