“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes,

what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the word of life—

for the life was made visible” (1 Jn 1-2a).

“Salvation—deliverance from the reality of evil, and the gift of new life and freedom in Christ—is at the heart of the Gospel. We need to discover, as I have suggested, new and engaging ways of proclaiming this message and awakening a thirst for the fulfillment which only Christ can bring. It is in the Church’s liturgy, and above all in the sacrament of the Eucharist, that these realities are most powerfully expressed and lived in the life of believers” (Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Bishops, Washington, DC, April 16, 2008). “There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; “Dei Verbum,” 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness” (Pope Benedict XVI, April 20, 2008, Address to Youth and Seminarians, St. Joseph’s, Yonkers, NY).

The Hour That Makes My Day Excerpts from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The third reason I keep up the Holy Hour is to grow more and more into his likeness. As Paul puts it: “We are transfigured into his likeness, from splendor to splendor.” We become like that which we gaze upon. Looking into a sunset, the face takes on a golden glow. Looking at the Eucharistic Lord for an hour transforms the heart in a mysterious way as the face of Moses was transformed after his companionship with God on the mountain. Something happens to us similar to that which happened to the disciples at Emmaus. On Easter Sunday afternoon when the Lord met them, he asked why they were so gloomy. After spending some time in his presence, and hearing again the secret of spirituality - “The Son of Man must suffer to enter into his Glory” - their time with him ended and their “hearts were on fire.” The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage deep personal encounter with Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to hold converse with Him, to ask for such things as we need and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him.... Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in love with Christ unless both are preceded by a personal encounter with him. When Moses saw the burning bush in the desert, it did not feed on any fuel. The flame, unfed by anything visible, continued to exist without destroying the wood. So personal dedication to Christ does not deform any of our natural gifts, disposition, or character; it just renews without killing. As the wood becomes fire and the fire endures, so we become Christ and Christ endures. I have found that it takes some time to catch fire in prayer. This has been one of the advantages of the daily Hour. It is not so brief as to prevent the soul from collecting itself and shaking off the multitudinous distractions of the world. Sitting before the Presence is like a body exposing itself before the sun to absorb its rays. Silence in the Hour is a tete-e-tete with the Lord. In those moments, one does not so much pour out written prayers, but listening takes its place. We do not say: “Listen, Lord, for Thy servant speaks,” but “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.”

St. Elizabeth (Isabel), Wife, Mother, Queen of Portugal, (1271-1336)—Feast, July 4 From her youth, St. Elizabeth’s life was centered on daily Mass and the recitation of the Divine office. From the Holy Eucharist, she drew strength to bring about peace between her husband and sons, who were often feuding. Our Eucharistic Lord defended her virtue in the face of false calumny. Nourished by the Real Presence of Jesus, St. Elizabeth cared for the poor and founded a convent of Poor Clares. She later became a Third Order Franciscan.

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Patron of World Youth Days, Italy(1901-1925)—Feast, July 4 Pier Giorgio was a handsome and popular youth, who excelled in sports. He promoted Eucharistic Adoration and Marian devotion, saying: “With all the strength of my soul I urge you young people to approach the Communion table as often as you can. Feed on this bread of angels whence you will draw all the energy you need to fight inner battles. Because true happiness, dear friends, does not consist in the pleasures of the world or in earthly things, but in peace of conscience, which we have only if we are pure in heart and mind.”

St. Benedict, Priest, Founder of the Benedictines, Italy (c.480-547)—Feast, July 11 St. Benedict (a name which means blessed) is the Patron of Europe and founder of Western Monasticism. He became a hermit and wrote a rule of life when he was asked to lead a community of monks. St. Benedict was strengthened by the Holy Eucharist and died upon receiving his last Communion. Many miracles of protection are attributed to the wearing and use of the St. Benedict’s medal when it is blessed by a priest with Benedict’s blessing.

Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha, Consecrated Virgin, North America(1656-1680)—Feast, July 14 “Every day she [Kateri] was seen to pass whole hours at the foot of the altar, immovable, as if transported beyond herself. Her eyes often explained the sentiments of her breast by the abundance of tears she shed... Often seeing her benumbed with cold, I have sent her to the cabin to warm herself. She obeyed immediately, but the moment after, returned to the church, and continued there in long communion with Jesus Christ” (Fr. Cholenec).

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel—July 16 Lord God, you willed that the Order of Carmel, should be named in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of your Son, through her prayers as we honor her today bring us to your holy Mountain, Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Pray the Rosary, wear the Scapular!

St. Mary Magdalene (1st Century)—July 22 “With the children of Israel, I would sing in the fiery furnace; with Mary Magdalene, I would cling to the foot of the cross; with John, I would plunge into a cauldron of boiling oil; with the martyrs, I would drink the chalice of bitterness and, if it were possible, die a thousand times daily for my God, so good is the joy I feel in His Presence” (St. Margaret of Cortona).

Sts. Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Feast, July 26 This year marks the 350th anniversary of the building of the original Church, which eventually grew into a Basilica, dedicated to St. Anne at de Beaupre, near Quebec City. Numerous miracles were attributed to the intercession of the Grandmother of Jesus over the centuries, which led to the growth of the Shrine. Over 1.5 million pilgrims visit there yearly to worship Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, join in the healing Blessed Sacrament procession, and ask Our Lady’s mother to pray for them. St. Anne, intercede for us and our families!

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Founder of Jesuits, Spain (1491-1556)—Feast, July 31 St. Ignatius abandoned worldly glory and strived for perfect love of Christ. He promoted frequent Holy Communion and spent long hours in daily prayer. He founded the Society of Jesus, who took their vows before the Blessed Sacrament. They travel worldwide teaching souls about the faith, administering the sacraments, caring for the poor and all in need.

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor, Italy (1696-1787)—Feast, Aug. 1 “We have always with us in this land of miseries our God made Man, who, by His real presence, is with us all the days of our life, and comforts and helps us with the greatest affection and compassion” (St. Alphonsus).

St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest of the Eucharist, France (1811-1868)—Feast, Aug. 2 “In the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament, what is there to regret, to desire?” (St. Peter).

St. John Vianney, Cure of Ars, Patron of Priests, France (1786-1859)—Feast, Aug. 4 “There is nothing so great, my children, as the Eucharist!” (St. John Vianney).

The Transfiguration of the Lord—Feast, Aug. 6 “It is good for us to be here” (Mk 9:5).

St. Dominic, Priest, Preacher, Dominicans Founder, Spain (1170-1221)—Feast, Aug. 8 While offering Mass in the presence of the King and Queen in London, Dominic went into ecstasy. When he was finally able to continue Mass, at the elevation of the Holy Eucharist, the people saw the Infant Jesus instead of the Host and the Mother of God surrounded by twelve stars! When the chalice was raised they saw Christ on the Cross.

St. Teresa Benedicta, Carmelite Nun & Martyr, Germany (1891-1942)—Feast, Aug. 9 “Each one must know, or get to know, where and how she can find peace. The best way, when it is possible, is to shed all cares again for a short time before the tabernacle”(St. Teresa)

St. Clare of Assisi, Foundress of Poor Clare Nuns, Italy (1193-1253)—Feast, Aug. 11 “Were not St Francis and St Clare both ‘conquered’ by the Eucharistic Mystery? In the Eucharist they experienced the love of God, that same love which, in the Incarnation, impelled the Creator of the world to make himself little, indeed, the smallest one and the servant of all” (Pope Benedict XVI, Dec. 14, 2006).

St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Priest, Martyr, Poland, (1894-1941)—Feast, Aug. 14 “When we come to the [Eucharistic Adoration] chapel, we gain for ourselves and for others many graces” (St. Maximilian Kolbe).

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven—August 15 “Hail, holy Queen of Heavens,/Hail, holy Queen of Angels,/Hail, Root of Jesse,/Hail, Gate of Heaven, By you the Light has entered the world./Rejoice, glorious Virgin,/Beautiful among all women,/Hail, radiant Splendor,/Intercede with Christ for us” (Lucien Deiss, C.S.S.Sp.).

St. Jane Frances, Widow, Mother, Religious, France (1572-1641)—Feast, Aug. 18 Jane was a widow and mother of many children. Empowered by her Eucharistic love she ministered to the sick and needy. Jane founded the “Order of the Visitation of Our Lady.”

Pope St. Pius X, Pope of the Eucharist, Italy (1835-1914)—Feast, Aug. 21 “We meet around the tabernacle where Jesus remains in our midst until the end of time; there the faith springs up anew in our hearts” (Pope St. Pius X).

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary—August 22 Mary, Queen of Clergy, pray for them to be faithful in love and service of Jesus Eucharistic!

St. Rose of Lima, Nun, Mystic, Patroness of South America (1586-1617)—Feast, Aug 23 From her youth,Rose attended daily Mass and spent hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.When her parents finally allowed her to become a Nun, she became a Domincan in the footsteps of her patroness St. Catherine of Siena. Many miracles are attributed to her.

St. Monica, Wife, Mother of St. Augustine, North Africa (332-387)—Feast, Aug. 27 “Remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be” (St. Monica’s request to her children).

St. Augustine, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, N. Africa, (354-430)—Feast, Aug. 28 “We desired with all our hearts to drink from the streams of Your heavenly fountain” (St. Augustine speaking of his mother St. Monica). Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Missionary, Sister, (1910-1997), Macedonia—Sept. 5 “We have ups and downs and sickness and suffering. That is part of the cross. Anyone who imitates Him to the full must share in His passion also. That is why we need prayer/that is why we need the Bread of Life, that is why we have Adoration” (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta).

Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Sept. 8 “Today this created world is raised to the dignity of a holy place for him who made all things. The creature is newly prepared to be a divine dwelling place” (St. Andrew of Crete).

St. Peter Claver, Jesuit Priest, Missionary (1581-1654) South America—Sept. 9 St. Peter Claver willingly spent 40 years of his life aboard slave ships, ministering to the needs of the people and converting 300,000 souls. He became known as a defender and father to the fatherless, bringing the sacraments and Jesus Eucharistic to those without hope.

Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Sept. 12—Blessed Be Thy Holy Name!

St. John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, (c. 344-407), Syria—Sept. 13 “O amiable Jesus, it is in this mystery of the Blessed Sacrament that Thy charity has exerted itself in such a wonderful manner as to seem to send forth all its flames. Praise, honor and glory forever to Thy goodness and mercy!” (St. John Chrysostom).

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross—Sept. 14 “Hail, O cross, consecrated by the body of Christ, his members have made your wood more noble than precious pearls” (Responsory). “Souls desiring to make great progress in virtue quickly choose for their teacher and guide Jesus Christ on the cross and in the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi).

Our Lady of Sorrows—Sept. 15: “Behold your Mother!” (Jn 19:27) “Let us adore Christ, the Savior of the world, who called his mother to share in his passion” (Invitatory). “With your substance you have fed that same Jesus who every day gives me life, your life, O Mary, that very life which he owes you. Every drop of his blood you gave him so that it should be mine. With your virgin milk you fed him so that he might die on the Cross and open the gates of heaven for me. My beloved Mother, it is to you, then, that I owe my happiness which I enjoy in contemplating him” (Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, Servant of God).

St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest, Stigmatist, Mystic, (1887-1968), Italy —Sept. 23 “Run to the feet of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Padre Pio).

St. Vincent de Paul,Priest,CharitableMissions Founder(c. 1580-1660),France—Sept. 27 Spurred on by love of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Vincent started many houses to care for the poor, converted souls, ministered to the sick and convicts, began a hospital, conducted retreats, founded an order of priests and the Daughters of Charity.

Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Saints—Sept. 29 St. Michael, protector of the Eucharist, pray for us! St. Gabriel bring us God’s word! St. Raphael bring us God’s healing! Holy Archangels pray that we may adore Jesus!

From the Congregation for Clergy’s Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests message:

“In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ‘Sacramentum Caritatis,’ the Holy Father [Pope Benedict XVI] reproposes to us forcefully St Augustine’s affirmation: ‘no one eats that flesh without first adoring it; we should sin were we not to adore it’ (St. Augustine, ‘Enarrationes in Psalmos,’ 98,9). We cannot live, we cannot look at the truth about ourselves without letting ourselves be looked at and generated by Christ in daily Eucharistic Adoration, and the ‘Stabat’ of Mary, ‘Woman of the Eucharist’, beneath her Son’s Cross, is the most significant example of contemplation and adoration of the divine Sacrifice that has been given to us.” During the months of the Most Precious Blood, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Our Lady of Sorrows, we offer you the following meditations for your spiritual enrichment: “Mary was consumed with the desire to make Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament know to all. To obtain this favor, she passed her time at the foot of the Blessed Sacrament in prayer and penance. In her limitless zeal, she embraced the needs of the faithful everywhere, for all time to come. The mission dearest to Mary's heart was that of constant prayer for the success of the preaching and missionary labor of the apostles and all the members of Christ’s priesthood” (St. Peter Julian Eymard).

Holy Hour Prayer

“By the remembrance of Mary Immaculate, by the tears You shed in seeing her weep over Your absence and over the ignominy of Your sorrowful Passion, we pray You, Jesus, to listen to the supplication of mothers who help You to save souls by suffering for them at the foot of the Cross. See with what ardent faith they implore the salvation of their families. Hearken to those who acclaim You their beloved King at their children’s cradle and their husband’s tomb. By those tears and prayers they ask You for the decisive victory of Your Sacred Heart. They confide to that divine Ark all the treasures of their love.... “Good Jesus, You have confided to them the souls of their husbands and children; they have laid them with trusting love on the altar of Your Sacred Heart. King of Mercy, during this Holy Hour remember Your Blessed Mother as You certainly remembered her in the Garden of Gethsemane, and in gratitude for her tenderness, as a reward for her sublime virtues, and as compensation for her sorrows, save the home. Yes! Save the Christian family! “Lord, if the prayer of a single mother had the power to touch Your Heart and obtain the resurrection of her child, may the supplications of so many sorrowing mothers obtain during this hour of exceptional grace the salvation, still more, the sanctification of the family sanctuary which You Yourself claimed as Your throne, O King of Love” (Fr. Mateo Crawley- Boevey). “I weep and mourn at the feet of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for often I’m consoled” (St. Padre Pio). “It is especially at the foot of the altar that one prays well. In all your visits to our Savior, frequently offer His precious Blood to the Eternal Father. You will find these visits very conducive to increase in you divine love” (St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi). “Never forget Jesus, this divine Model. Try to see a certain lovable majesty in his [Eucharistic] Presence. Try to hear a certain pleasant authority in His manner of speaking.. .. Imagine His extremely composed and sweet expression with which He drew the crowds, making them leave cities and castles, leading them to the mountains, to the forests, and to the solitude of the deserted beaches of the sea. Imagine the crowds” following Him (Padre Pio).

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