Why is it important for children to engage in Eucharistic Adoration?
Jesus said “Let the children come to me….” Let us obey Him and bring the children to Him. Pope John Paul II said, “I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic Adoration and devotion. How will young people be able to know the Lord if they are not introduced to the mystery of His Presence?”
The gradual familiarity with the Lord will help young people to be involved and to take a more active part in the Mass
For young boys, to be near the altar is a privileged opportunity to hear God’s call to follow Him more radically in priestly ministry. Our Holy Father continues to stress this importance today.
What we learn as children will remain with us and help us to stay close to Jesus. Before children have received their first Holy Communion, Eucharistic Adoration is a great way for them to receive Jesus in their hearts through spiritual communion.
Afterwards, it helps increase in them a great desire for more frequent Communion. During their teen years one would hope, these same children will find in Jesus a best friend, one who never lets them down, filling them with strength, light and inspiration. They may also be more disposed to hear and follow their vocation in life.
What benefits have people noticed from children spending time with our Eucharistic Lord?
The children have a great excitement about been part of this kind of prayer. They really enjoy being at the feet of Jesus, resting and relaxing under the loving gaze of One who is no longer hidden in the tabernacle. They experience peace of mind, body and spirit. They have a deeper desire to pray, are more attentive at Mass and have a strong faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. They discover that the Sacred Host is actually the person of Jesus, mysteriously hidden.
How do you help children with Adoration, and, to get the most out of the experience?
None of us will ever fully understand this mystery. What we do with the children is to remind them of the love that Jesus has for them, and for all of us. On the night before He died, over 2000 years ago, driven by love and a desire for us not to forget, He chose this way, the Eucharist, to remain close to us in a more visible way. He chose this out of His infinite and merciful love for us. Once the children realise they are spending time with Jesus, they are thrilled to come to Adoration. It is their time with Him. Parents are usually the ones who worry about their children being bored. After attending a children’s Adoration, they are amazed at how quickly the time goes and how much the children enjoy the experience. Far from being bored, children begin to feel that love that Jesus has for them. They come to understand they are important to Him and that their prayers are heard and answered. They even have a feeling that they experience Jesus talking to them in their hearts. To keep the children focused, we developed a simple format, leading the children through prayer, scripture, silence, reflection and songs. The format is only an aid, as the Holy Spirit is the true guide for the Leader. We are trying to teach them to live in a spirit of Adoration all through their day, as Mary did.
