An argument for having Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in every parish

I’m reading a book by Fr Vincent Martin Lucia called Come to Me in the Blessed Sacrament, which is one of the spiritual books that Blessed Mother Teresa recommended to her sisters, and which she carried around with her on her travels.

One of the Prefaces (‘Message 1’) is by Bishop Ruben T. Profugo, now the retired Bishop of Lucena in the Philippines. He gives a simple, heartfelt, theologically profound response to some of the objections that people raise to having Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

There are three main objections usually given when the proposal is made to have perpetual Eucharistic adoration in a parish.

The first is that the people will not respond because they are not spiritually mature and, consequently, they will lose their enthusiasm.

The second is that priorities may become confused and some people will prefer to go to the adoration chapel rather than go to Mass.

The third objection, and this is generally the strongest objection, is that perpetual Eucharistic adoration is too dangerous since it involves some of the people coming out in the middle of the night to cover the early morning hours.

The purpose of my message is to declare that none of these objections are valid. As a matter of fact, based on the evidence and experience of what has happened in my diocese, the contrary is true.

Not only have the people in my diocese responded enthusiastically, but they have maintained their level of enthusiasm and have been very faithful to their commitment.

Secondly, Mass attendance has increased noticeably on Sunday, as well as during the week, as many have come back to the Sacraments as a result of perpetual Eucharistic adoration.

But most dramatically, perpetual Eucharistic adoration has made my diocese safe from the violence that previously threatened to tear it apart. Both the priests and the laity credit perpetual Eucharistic adoration for protecting the diocese from the reign of communism and for bringing about peace and order. We put all our faith and trust in the omnipotent power of His love in the Blessed Sacrament and He did not fail us.

The point I want to made is that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is not static but dynamically active. He is the Good Shepherd. He does not take people away from the Sacraments, but rather He is the one Who brings them back. He does not make people weary but rather refreshes them and makes them strong. He is the Lord of lords and King of kings.

It is not dangerous to have perpetual Eucharistic adoration, but rather, it is dangerous not to have it, because He is the only one who can protect and restore, heal and unite us.

As far as I can see, the book is not available in the UK. The copy I have is published by the Indian branch of St Pauls, given to me by a friend. Perhaps there are some distributors here in the UK. Do comment below if you know how it can be obtained easily.