Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church

This weekend we celebrate our parish Forty Hours.  The “Forty Hours” or Solemn Annual Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a devotion aimed at increasing our appreciation, our love, and our knowledge of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  The devotion itself covers approximately forty hours.

The number “40” is a very biblical number.  Think about how often in the Sacred Scripture that we used the number “40” with days, weeks, nights, years etc. to tell us something about the history of our salvation.  In each bible story after each cycle of “40” something beautiful and meaningful happens.  It is our prayer that as our parish makes the Forty Hours, we too, will experience something beautiful.  Trusting that our Eucharistic Lord will hear and answer our prayers and intentions.

Everyone is welcome to attend Forty Hours.  Please plan on spending some time with your family adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  This is a time filled with special moments of grace.  Come! Pray!  You are welcome to come alone, or to bring someone with you.  This is a time filled with special moments of grace, come pray, and experience the presence of our Eucharistic Lord.

Throughout our three day celebration, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar in the Monstrance.  As you enter and leave your pew, it is appropriate to genuflect or make a reverent bow.  While you are visiting our Lord, you may quietly speak to Him in private prayer, read from your Bible or use your personal prayer book.  Another idea is to pray the rosary or meditate on the Stations of the Cross.  You also may want to just sit and “be” present in the presence of the Lord.

As you begin your time in Adoration, make it for a special intention.  Perhaps you want to offer your time for a son or daughter who is having difficulties, or who has been away from the Church.  You also may want to pray for peace, for good health, or for a job.  Whatever it may be, the Lord is there to listen to you.

Please find time for God.  He will bless you for coming to spend time with Him.

Please pray for our parish and for me during your Forty Hour visits.

Make the Forty Hours a little mini-retreat for Yourself.

God Bless

Msgr. Powell