Eucharistic Adoration by laypeople formally began in Avignon, France, in September 1226. In reparation for the sacrileges of the Albigensian heresy, King Louis VIII built a church in Avignon near the Sorgue River to honor the Blessed Sacrament. On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, the king planned a Eucharistic procession around the city. Dressed in sackcloth and with a rope around his waist, he led the procession. Because of the throngs of adorers, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed throughout the night. As the practice continued in the days and nights that followed, the bishop declared that Adoration would continue there. Perpetual Adoration continued for 200 years – then a Eucharistic miracle occurred during a massive flood. What was that miracle? Read more at www.therealpresence.org.
St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is Sept. 27, is a prime example of realizing the beneficial impacts of Eucharistic Adoration. Completely devoted to the poor, he established hospitals, religious orders and lay organizations to help as many people as possible. He was known to make a Holy Hour requesting God’s blessings on important business transactions, and he returned to thank Him afterward. The work of this great saint continues around the world today thanks to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Daughters of Charity and at churches dedicated to him, such as St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte, where Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Friday in the Holy Family Chapel.