To experience many graces, spend a Holy Hour with Christ

As noted in the past, I have experienced many blessings since I started meeting regularly with my spiritual director. One such blessing came early on when he encouraged me to spend an hour a day in adoration. My initial reaction was that this seemed like a lot of time in addition to the other things I was doing, but I made the needed adjustments to my schedule and incorporated it into my day. Over the years, it has become foundational and a highlight of my day, so I thought I would share it here for your prayerful consideration.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, “The act of adoration outside of Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place in the liturgical celebration itself.” This certainly makes sense, and saints throughout the centuries have exhorted the faithful to go to adoration often — daily, if possible. It is said that if you want to know the connection between devotion to the Real Presence and growth in sanctity, look at the lives of the saints: they all had it. Thus, it makes sense that our seminaries and religious communities build a Holy Hour into the fabric of their day.

When asked how she could do all the amazing things that she did with the poorest of the poor whom she served, St. Teresa of Calcutta pointed to starting each day before the Blessed Sacrament.

I imagine that how people pray during their Holy Hour varies greatly. I spend a part of my hour doing spiritual reading and journaling. I know there are special graces promised for praying a rosary before the exposed Eucharist. The bottom line is that the Church has consistently taught that there is special power (grace) available to us when we pray before Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. If doing this every day seems like a big step, consider starting by finding a parish near you that has perpetual adoration and signing up for one hour a week — and go from there.

Let me conclude with a quote from St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to adoration.”

Tom Monaghan is Legatus' founder, chairman, and CEO.