VATICAN CITY, MARCH 17, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The prefect of the Congregation for Clergy says the value of Eucharistic adoration cannot be overestimated, and he is recommending that every diocese have an adoration chapel or shrine dedicated to the intentions of consecrated vocations and the sanctification of the clergy.
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza affirmed this in a March 4 note to Bishop Dominique Rey of Frejus-Toulon, France. The bishop is promoting an international conference on Eucharistic adoration, to be held June 20-24 in Rome at the Salesianum.
«We cannot overestimate the importance of adoring the Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, knowing that worship is the highest act of the People of God,» the cardinal wrote.
He described Eucharistic adoration as «an effective means toward promoting the sanctification of the clergy, reparation for sin, and vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life.»
«With courage, we must ask the Lord to send forth new laborers into the harvest,» Cardinal Piacenza affirmed.
He added the recommendation that «in every diocese there should be at least one church, chapel, or shrine set aside for perpetual adoration of the Eucharist, specifically for the intention of the promotion of new vocations and the sanctification of the clergy.»
The clergy congregation prefect expressed his hope that bishops, priests and religious would consider attending the Eucharistic adoration conference.
«A renewed sense of devotion to Christ in the Eucharist,» the cardinal declared, «can only enrich every aspect of the Church’s life and mission in the world.»
