Adoration To Focus On Vocations In Eucharistic Year

MARY ANNE CASTRANIO, Staff Writer

Published: October 28, 2004

ATLANTA—Eucharistic adoration is the bedrock of a decade-long tradition of prayer in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The first perpetual adoration chapel was established on June 5, 1994, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, with the encouragement of Archbishop John F. Donoghue. And since those first blessed moments of never-ending adoration at the Cathedral, other churches have also established perpetual adoration, with numerous other churches of the archdiocese holding eucharistic adoration at regularly scheduled times throughout each month.

To celebrate the Year of the Eucharist begun on Oct. 17 by Pope John Paul II, a special year of perpetual adoration devoted to vocations will begin on Thursday, Oct. 28, in eight of the parishes with perpetual adoration. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Vocations, the intent of the program is to pray for vocations—all vocations, especially for the priests, deacons and Religious, but also for those single and those married. Adoration will be devoted to prayer that all people will find their own special calling in life—their vocation to the life that God wants them to lead.

The program will begin with night prayer following the 7 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral on Oct. 28. A special monstrance blessed by the Holy Father will move from week to week (Saturday to Saturday) among the churches participating, which include the Cathedral of Christ the King; St. Peter Chanel Church, Roswell; St. Brigid Church, Alpharetta; St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kennesaw; Transfiguration Church, Marietta; St. Marguerite d’Youville Church, Lawrenceville; Corpus Christi Church, Stone Mountain; and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta. Booklets about the adoration for vocations program will be provided in every chapel. And prayers for all aspects of vocation are welcomed, especially by the pastors of the eight parishes.

“This program is in appreciation for all of the prayers over the years,” said Father Brian Higgins, director of vocations for the archdiocese. He said that it seemed appropriate in this Year of the Eucharist to celebrate the decade of perpetual adoration here in Atlanta, as well as the 50th anniversary of Archbishop Donoghue’s ordination to the priesthood, which will occur in June 2005.

“We think it’s better to pray for everyone, not just for vocations to the priesthood and the Religious life,” he continued. “Holy priests, nuns and deacons come from holy families.”