Just days after Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP launched the Year of Prayer in preparation for Eucharist28, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney began a series of formation sessions aimed at deepening understanding of Eucharistic adoration across the archdiocese.
The initiative follows feedback from parishioners expressing a desire to pray more deeply and to better understand the theology behind adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The first session was held at St Christopher’s Church, Holsworthy, on 4 March, bringing together parishioners, acolytes and cantors from across the south west Deanery for an evening of theology, practical guidance and a Holy Hour.
Liturgy office director Dr Mariusz Biliniewicz led the formation.
“We wanted to explain why we celebrate adoration in the first place and why it matters,” Dr Biliniewicz said.
He said the session included practical instruction for acolytes and altar servers assisting at exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as guidance for musicians preparing appropriate settings for adoration.
“Most importantly, we wanted everyone to have a meaningful experience of the Holy Hour following the formation,” he said.
Jubilate Deo programme director Ronan Reilly then led participants through core chants traditionally sung in honour of the Blessed Sacrament.
“Our mission at the Jubilate Deo programme is to bring sacred music to as many people as possible and to encourage them in their sacred music journey,” Reilly said.
“The final hymn, ‘Godhead Here in Hiding’, was beautifully sung and filled the church.”
Participants described the Holy Hour as reverent and prayerful, with several highlighting the importance of silence during adoration.
“It was very moving to see so many people simply praying before the Blessed Sacrament,” Dr Biliniewicz said. “I hope participants will help make this experience more available in their own parishes.”
Deputy chief operating officer of Eucharist28 Sebastian Condon said the sessions form part of the archdiocese’s wider spiritual preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress.
“Prayer is the basis of all that we do,” Condon said. “A deeper appreciation of our unity in the Body of Christ would be a wonderful fruit of these sessions.”
Additional formation sessions will be held across the archdiocese in March and May.
