PERPETUAL ADORATION: An Invitation to Be with the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

Parishioner and perpetual adoration coordinator Ramona Bourdo has experienced the immense grace that comes with praying in Eucharistic Adoration.

“I remember being in adoration after my first husband died,” Ramona says. “I was just crying and crying. But that was a good thing because this was how God was helping me through that very difficult time of my life, and I came to realizehow much my faith meant to me. I was comforted by being in such a holy place, alone, simply talking to God.”

Eucharistic Adoration is the devotion whereby we recognize the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and praise Him as the King of kings. Here at Immaculate Conception, this solemn devotion is available to you 24-7, 365 days a year.

The word “adoration” comes from a Latin root that means to be “face-to-face.” Therefore, we believe that when we pray in Eucharistic Adoration, we are truly face-to-face with our Lord Jesus, who is physically and spiritually before us enthroned on the altar.

“Adoration is simply spending an hour with Jesus,” Ramona says. “I always remember in Matthew 26:40 when Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asks the sleeping apostles ‘Can you not spend an hour with Me in prayer?’ and I am inspired to go to adoration.”

Praying in adoration is simple and there is no wrong way to spend time with Jesus in prayer. Some common practices while in Eucharistic Adoration include reading Scripture, praying the Rosary and meditating on the life of Christ. And there is no need to worry if you have never experienced adoration.

“The Holy Spirit will lead you — just let Him,” Ramona says.

Because Eucharistic Adoration is such a powerful and intimate time of prayer, everyone who would like to participate is asked to sign up ahead of time. This ensures that everyone can have their time with Jesus in private. It also affords everyone the freedom to pray in the way they would like without having to worry about disturbing another person’s prayer.

Once you arrive at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, all you have to do is open the door to the tabernacle to start adoring our Lord. When you are finished with your prayer, you are asked to reverently close the door to the tabernacle so that Jesus is no longer exposed.

There is much to gain from visiting Christ in Eucharistic Adoration.

“You can expect to experience peace, comfort and joy,” Ramona says. “You may even hear the Lord speak to you.”

Signing up for Eucharistic Adoration is easy — simply contact Ramona Bourdo by calling or texting her at 501-831-5040 or by emailing her at raw4084@att.net. Once you reach out to her, she will respond by sending you a spreadsheet that lists all the available times. Once you receive this, you can fill your name in one or more available slots to reserve your time of prayer.