By SCOTT MULFORD
Special to Catholic Times 

A non-descript BOS Center meeting room was lovingly transformed into a chapel for continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the Eucharistic Congress Oct. 28. Under the watchful guard of Springfield area Knights of Columbus, the faithful prayed and adored the Lord present in the monstrance. Adorers also saw history as in the corner of the room on display was a monstrance dedicated to Bishop Henry Damian Juncker, bishop of Alton (1857-1868), by German Catholics of Quincy. That monstrance has traveled to more than 60 parishes in the diocese during the Year of the Eucharist. 

Catholic Times found adorers effusive in their reaction to their time of solitude and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  A sampling of those reactions follows:

“It was very nice, very peaceful, and I enjoyed seeing how the Knights of Columbus were standing guard. I thought that was really special. It’s a special way to get very close and intimate with Jesus.”  

Patty Downing, Holy Family Parish, Decatur

A Macoupin County teen made the adoration chapel his first stop upon arriving at the Eucharist Congress. “We wanted to go in to thank God for letting us be here and for having asafe trip up.” 

Johnathon Rosier, Sacred Heart Parish, Virden

“It’s just very peaceful and quiet and I was surprised how full it is — there’s tons of people in there participating. I think that is really beautiful. It’s an important part of my life. We have adoration on Thursday morning at our parish. It really gives peace, strength, and wisdom in dealing with things during a quiet time with our Lord.” 

Sharon Behme, Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish,Carlinville

An adorer from St. Louis, who works with young people’s adoration ministry and serves as a regional young adult group leader there came to Springfield at the invitation of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. “It was a beautiful throne in honor of the Eucharist. I really think centering on the Eucharist is the main way to foster the life of young people in the Church for the future.” 

Steven Gilroy, St. Mary of Victories Church, St. Louis 

Scott Mulford is the former editor of Catholic Times.