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Last night I attended my parish’s Rosary group. Usually there Is adoration before the Rosary is prayed and a mass afterwards. For non-Catholics, the term “adoration” actually means “Eucharistic adoration,” where the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated communion host) is placed in a display case (monstrance) and is adored by the faithful. It is a sign of devotion and worship of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ which is present under the appearance of consecrated altar bread.

Wikipedia says this:

“As a devotion, Eucharistic adoration and meditation are more than merely looking at the Blessed Host, but are believed to be a continuation of what was celebrated in the Eucharist. From a theological perspective, the adoration is a form of latria, based on the tenet of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Host.

Christian meditation performed in the presence of the Eucharist outside of Mass is called Eucharistic meditation. It has been practiced by such as Peter Julian Eymard, Jean Vianney and Thérèse of Lisieux.  Authors such as the Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida and Blessed Maria Candida of the Eucharist have produced large volumes of text based on their Eucharistic meditations.”

…Official Catholic teachings consider the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament an important practice which “stimulates the faithful to an awareness of the marvelous presence of Christ and is an invitation to spiritual communion with Him.”

 A Eucharistic Hymn:

The hymn Tantum Ergo pays homage to our Lord both in the Eucharist and in His glory in the Trinity. It comprises the last two stanzas of Pange Lingua, a hymn written by Saint Thomas Aquinas (for the Feast of Corpus Christi (which honors our Lord in His body and blood in the Eucharist) when it was first instituted by the Church in 1264. This text has been set to music by composers as diverse as Palestrina, Mozart, Bruckner and Faure. It is given here in Latin with an English translation below:

Click Below to Hear:

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum

Tantum ergo Sacramentum  Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui: Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen.

Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail, Lo! o’er ancient forms departing Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying, Where the feeble senses fail.

To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high With the Holy Spirit proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor blessing, Might and endless majesty. Amen.