The Blessed Sacrament Procession and Adoration

Saturday afternoon in the Sanctuary’s main plaza, infront of the Rosary Basilica, we gathered for Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. The plaza was filled with thousands from countries around the world. The malades were carefully placed as near as possible to the steps of the Basilica where the monstrance would be placed. The procession to the Rosary Basilica commenced in the St Pius X Bisilica, led by the flags of the Order of Malta, the countries represented, and followed by the clergy, and the professed knights of the Order of Malta. I was the only deacon processing so I got a front position, “the lowest go first”, as we moved through the crowd to the steps of the church. The distance from the Basilica to the steps was probably 3 or 4 hundred yards. The afternoon was hot and muggy, not something you would think is normal at the foot of the Pyrenees in May. When the priests, bishops and cardinals had arrived in procession to the steps and Blessed Sacrament was placed on the altar, our Benediction liturgy began. Kneeling on the stone steps, in the company of many, with my knees and hips announcing their discomfort to me, you place you thoughts on the steps our Lord took to make this liturgy possible. Archbisop Vigneron of Detroit was the principal celebrant and he carried the monstrance throughout the assembled crowd for 30 minutes prior to it being reposed in the Rosary Basilica. As I knelt, as I stood and watched, I thought of how I would respond if it was the person Jesus walking amongst the assembly, standing on the altar in front of me. Would I crane my neck to get a better glimpse, would I run to him and throw myself at his feet, would I drop my gaze, unworthy to meet his glance, would I see his presence with indifference, would I embrace him in my arms and not let go? We do all of these and more in the how we greet the presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Both in the Eucharist and in the children of God we are called to serve. Today, in Lourdes I tried to find the best in me to place in the presence of Christ.