A monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II was used recently in worship at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. The monstrance -- which holds the Eucharistic host -- was blessed by the late pope in 2004. The monstrance was used when St. Mary Magdalene had the honor to sponsor a series of holy hours to promote Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations Awareness to the Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life.

Catholics believe since the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, when Jesus broke the bread and distributed the wine, the actual elements of bread and wine retain their appearance, but are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Catholicism teaches that ordained priests, during the rite of ordination after the prayer of consecration, receive the power from the Holy Spirit to transform this physical appearance into Christ's body and blood.

Eucharistic Adoration is, therefore, the act of focusing one's attention on God in a consecrated host placed for veneration in a sacred vessel called a monstrance.

On Nov. 24, 2004, Pope John Paul II commissioned and blessed six monstrances which were presented -- one each -- to six continents to promote Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations Awareness worldwide. The blessed monstrances serve as a symbol of the connection between the Eucharist and priestly vocations.

Closing day on Sunday included Benediction, or blessing of the congregation, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance by Deacon Dave Sandlin. Use of a cope -- a cloak like vestment -- and humeral veil -- a scarf-like liturgical garment -- so that out of respect no hands touch the monstrance, are a custom of the ritual.

The experience of this worship-filled week of adoration helped those present to see the deep love and reverence that faithful Catholics have for God and His church. The events offered an opportunity for worshippers to join together in prayer -- asking God to send more laborers into the harvest and to simply come to adore and be with Jesus and learn from Him through silent prayer.