From the Pastor’s Desk:

Centuries ago, the Forty Hours Devotion began in Europe. St. John Neumann came to this country as a

missionary and was consecrated as Bishop of Philadelphia and was known for his hard work and devotion to

the people of his diocese. He had a tremendous devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. St. John had an

intense desire to help lead others to prayer before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in a

monstrance.

One night, after nearly abandoning his dream of spreading the “Forty Hours Devotion”, St. John fell asleep

from total exhaustion while writing at his desk. A little while later he awoke to the smell of smoke, a lit

candle had overturned and started a fire. Of the charred remains of his papers, only one letter remained

unburned, the letter he had written about the “Forty Hours Devotion.” St. John knelt to thank God for sparing

him from harm and he did not hesitate any longer to carry out his teaching of the spiritual importance of

Eucharistic Prayer Devotion. In 1853 Bishop John Neumann began the Forty Hours Devotion on the feast of

Corpus Christi, in the Church of St. Philip Neri, the saint who had started the Devotion in Rome. In the

United States we are blessed to have over 1100 chapels of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

If we believe what takes place at the altar, Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, When we come before

Jesus exposed in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to Him as we are, creatures made in His image. He already

knows us. He has called us to Himself; He loves us and longs to be with us. “Come to Me all of you who are

weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you.” (Mt. 11:28)

Please consider spending some time with our Eucharistic Lord on Mondays in the Chapel between the hours

of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm. This is a quiet time to reflect and thank God for all the many blessings He has given

us. “Can you spend even 30 minutes with Me?” asks the Lord.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is at Holy Trinity Church here in Springfield. The parish is inviting people

who can make a commitment for one hour, daily or weekly to call or sign up. For more information there are

forms in the back of the Cathedral or contact Holy Trinity, or go on their

website.