Since ordination in 1956, I have spent one-third of my priesthood in
administration on the national or diocesan level and two-thirds of it
in parish ministry. Just as the Eucharist and eucharistic people were so
influential in leading me to the altar, I credit those same factors for
the fact that I am still an active priest today.
Extended prayer before the reserved Presence on a regular basis,
ideally each day, but actually about 90% of the time, has been an
essential lifeline. While I have been blessed with enormous successes,
accomplishments, and recognition, there have been a balancing amount of
weaknesses and wounds, poor choices and burdensome crosses. I don't
think I would have survived spiritually without that kind of ongoing,
extensive prayerful reflection.
The development of a Perpetual Adoration Chapel in our parish with
400 lay people spending an hour each week before the exposed sacrament
fits nicely into that pattern. When you enter the chapel for a period of
prayer at least one parishioner will always be there. That encourages
me; I presume my presence heartens them.
Emmanuel Magazine - January/February 1994
Monsignor Joseph M. Champlin