Private time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the most effective ways of drawing closer to Jesus. The world is filled with noise. We all need quiet time to gather our thoughts, to speak to God and to listen to Him. If we can do this in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, we are very fortunate. Our visits should include acts of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation and petition. These can also be times for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart symbolizes the human manifestation of God's infinite love for us. It is here, in love poured out, that Eucharistic devotion and devotion to the Sacred Heart find their meeting place.

Jesus is present in the Most Blessed Sacrament to complete the work which His Father entrusts to Him. He is there to fill our soul with the love which led Him to die on the Cross for us. He is there to take over our hearts and to lead us to the love of God and neighbor. He is there to make us stronger and more resolute in loving Him. Parishes should consider the formation of a Society of the Blessed Sacrament. Members would commit themselves to prayerful adoration in certain shifts. Jesus gave His all for us. We should be giving more of ourselves to Him. These extended times in His presence would afford a marvelous opportunity to pray for the needs of the universal Church and for the needs of our own Parishes and our families. They would be times for quiet listening, times to give thanks and make reparation. What graces might be ours if, as a united people, we fostered such devotion! I ask Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of the Church and our Mother, to help us in these efforts.

Pastoral Letter on the Holy Eucharist
Bishop Thomas V. Daily, D.D.

Reprinted from Witness Ministries, a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love.