The Eucharist sacrament of love, the sacrament that makes him present, is the heart of the Church’s life, and also of the consecrated life. Frequent and prolonged adoration of Christ present in the Eucharist enables us in some way to relive Peter’s experience at the Transfiguation: It is well that we are here. (Vita Consecrata n. 95)
Our Mother Foundress, Blessed Elisabetta spend many hours before the Blessed Sacrament. In the chapel, kneeling in the presence of Jesus she used to exclaim: “Jesus is here!” “Oh, how I love you for yourself here in the tabernacle.” Pausing and praying before the Blessed Sacrament was one of Mother Elisabetta’s favorite parts of the day. There she would contemplate the goodness of God, speak to Him of her desires and struggles, and gain the strength to face what was in store for her.
The Spirit of union with God of Mother Elisabetta kept itself deep and vital throught the classic food suggested by Jesus Himself, of Holy Communion, participation in the Mass, and the practice of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. She used to say: ” He is everything, and sufficient for everything and everyone.” It was this love of the Eucharistic Jesus that characterized and inflamed her piety; it was in front of the tabernacle, contemplating the great love of Jesus that she learned how small she was and become humble.
We are called to be Eucharisti women. It is when adore the Eucharist together, that the love of Christ present in our community grows. Like our Mother, we are called to make the Jesus the source of our spiritual life and mission. For this reason, each community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows sets aside time during the week for communal and individual adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. At his feet, we bring all of our hopes and desires, speak to him of our needs and of the needs of those to whom we minister. It is before the Blessed Sacrament that we gain our strength and rekindle our hope.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
In the early afternoon, the sisters assemble in the chapel for a brief community visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament so that the Eucharist will become ever more the center of our day and of the life the community. (Constitutions of the Congregation n. 64)
In the time of Advent
Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just One.
Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.
Let us pray, Awaken our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way of your only Son, and grant that, through the mystery of his coming, we may be able to serve you in purity of spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the time of Christmas and Epiphany
The Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us.
Let us pray, Almighty God, we have been enlightened by the new light of your Word make flesh. Grant us that this light, shining in our spirits through faith, may be seen in our actions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the time of Lent
We adore you , O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your cross you have redeemed the world.
Let us pray, Look upon your family, O Lord, and, while we mortify ourselves in the flesh, may our souls burn with an ardent desire to possess you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the time of Easter
Over your resurrection, O Christ,
Let heaven and earth rejoice.
Let us pray, Pour forth on us, O Lord, the spirit of your love, so that those who have been nourished by your Easter sacrament, may, through your grace, live in perfect unity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Ordinary Time
Let all the earth adore you, O God,
And sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Let us pray, O God, guide our actions according to your will, that in the name of your beloved Son, we may bearabundant fruit of good works. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Father
My Jesus , I love you.
And I long for you with all my heart.
Examination of Conscience
Contemplating Christ Crucified and Our Lady of Sorrows, each one examines that concrete aspect of her own life that has greatest need of being transformed by the Spirit of Jesus, in order to become increasingly life him, a witness of love.
Prayer to Our Foundress
Lord Jesus Christ, you chose Blessed Elisabetta Renzi
to show the world the joy of knowing, loving, and following you.
Fill my heart with a love as great as hers for all people,
and with an ardent desire to proclaim everywhere the good news
of salvation, so that all may come to know, love, and follow you,
the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through her intercession,
if it is your will, grant me the special grace that
I humbly ask of you, who live and reign forever. Amen.
Glory to the Father… (3 times)
For the deceased members of our congregation, relatives, and benefactors, that they may be received in your glory: Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord hear our prayer.
In the name of the Father…
Amen
