"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!" (Rev 5:11-12).

"Mother, in this shrine you gather the people of God . . . and constantly point out to them Christ in the Eucharist" (Pope John Paul II).

"A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rev 12:1).

On August 21, 1879, in Knock, Ireland (during a great potato famine) an apparition took place, with the outside wall of a Catholic Church as its backdrop. In the center of the vision was an altar with the Lamb of God, Jesus, surrounded by numerous adoring angels. (The Lamb symbolizes the Mass and the Eucharistic Sacrifice, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament). Behind the Lamb was a luminous cross. "The Lamb will conquer them, for he is the Lord of lords and the King of kings; victorious, too, will be his followers the ones who were called: the chosen and the faithful" (Rev 17:14). Reverently, beside the altar were Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. Our Queen, dressed in white, was clothed with a brilliant light. On top of her veiled head was a golden crown, and a golden rose over her forehead. St. John held an open book, believed to be the Book of Revelation.

The apparition remained about two hours, yet not a word was heard. It is known as "The Silent Apparition," and attests that Jesus Christ, the Lamb, is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, as well as to the great importance of The Mass and The Eucharist. Moreover, it is a call to reverently adore Jesus, The Sacrificial Lamb, in the Blessed Sacrament with awe, wonder and silent, attentive listening, for His word to speak to our hearts. Those who witnessed the apparition knelt in silent adoration. This apparition has received four Papal sanctions. Our Lady of Knock is known as the Queen of Ireland. Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us!

"In the Virgin's example of silent and fruitful listening, contemplation helps grasp the presence of the Living One in the Eucharist and aids in transfiguring the deaths that mark the earthly city into a commitment for life and hope in the resurrection." "Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, hours of adoration . . . . concentrate our attention on the One who is the Bread of life, life itself" (Pope John Paul II, 47th International Eucharistic Congress, June 2000).

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor, Italy, Feast, Aug. 1 "Each day I will . . . visit the Blessed Sacrament, especially where it is exposed," said St. Alphonsus. He wrote, "Next to Holy Communion, no act of worship is so pleasing to God, as the daily visit to our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament." "O God-Man present in this sacrament for me--what a comfort, what a privilege to know I kneel before God! And to think that this God loves me! . . . Mary, my mother, help me to love him in return."

St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest of the Eucharist, France, Feast, Aug. 2 This great apostle of the Eucharist spent his priesthood ardently promoting Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. He wrote "Thank the Holy Ghost for continuing, through the priests, to produce Him daily on the altar, as He did the first time in Mary's virginal womb." "In the Cenacle, this August Queen kneels as adoratrix and servant of the Most Blessed Sacrament." "Oh, how Mary will love you if you serve her Jesus well!"

St. John Mary Vianney, Patron of Priests, France, Feast, Aug. 4 Fr. Vianney offered Holy Hours daily before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, saying, "That is the way to win souls to God." He worked tirelessly ministering to the thousands who sought him for confession, help and counsel. He would encourage them to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Teresa Benedicta, Edith Stein, Martyr, Germany, Feast, Aug. 9 She wrote of the Eucharist, To make room in our life for the Eucharistic Lord, so that He can change our life into His, is that asking too much?

St. Pius X, Pope of the Blessed Sacrament, Italy, Feast, Aug. 21 He said, The devotion to the Eucharist is the most noble, because it has God as its object; it is the most profitable for salvation, because it gives us the Author of Grace; it is the sweetest, because it is Sweetness itself.

St. Rose of Lima, Patroness of South America, Feast, Aug. 23 St. Rose had a contagious love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament! Once she protected her parish church from being attacked by pirates. She started Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at the Churches throughout her village!

Mary, Queen of Priests, pray for them. Help them to faithfully love and serve Jesus. Help them lead many souls to Jesus in the Eucharist!

Help bring about the victory of The Lamb! Please be generous with your prayers and donations, so that He may be adored, honored and praised! Contact us for help to start and renew Adoration in your parish today.

M.B.S., POB 1701, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-8193 www.ACFP2000.com

Copyright, Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament. All rights reserved.