October 4, 2023

By Mary Beth Bracy,
consecrated virgin
Contributing Writer

Father Kevin McEwan, Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Plattsburgh planned on leading a pilgrimage to Auriesville for the Eucharistic Congress. “We found out that there were no busses available because it’s leaf-peeping season. I wanted to be in solidarity with those praying at the Eucharistic Congress in Auriesville and (the synod) in Rome, to show unity. The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity, so it made sense to offer extended Eucharistic Adoration.”

Adoration will be held in the main body of St. Peter’s Church in Plattsburgh October 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except during Mass times. All are welcome to attend anytime. Individuals who plan to participate are encouraged to sign up to ensure that all hours are covered. There is a sign-up sheet at St. Peter’s near the parking lot entrance.

Several catechists and staff members are helping to promote the event, including Brenda Smith. She paraphrased wisdom from others: “Adoration is great for the soul… it’s radiation therapy for mind and spirit.”
Smith also noted that “There is great holiness in Blessed Silence” and “to be able to sit quietly and speak to Jesus directly is one of the greatest gifts that He has given us.”

Holy Cross Parish also offers weekly Eucharistic Adoration throughout the year at St. John’s Church in the chapel downstairs. This year marks the 36th anniversary of Adoration in Plattsburgh. It is held Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adorers gathered on September 30 at the 5:15 p.m. Mass at St. John’s to celebrate the anniversary, which falls on October 1. The Mass was also followed by a blessing of the roses which is traditionally done on the feast of St. Therese.

A parochial vicar at Holy Cross, Father Michael Marzan, underscored the importance of Eucharistic evangelization.

“In this Eucharistic revival the Church intended to bring Catholics back to the ‘summit and source’ of Christian life of the Catholic Faith,” he said. “Indeed, young people need the Eucharist explained to them. Parents and educators need to ensure that young people know and understand this difficult but essential truth. The Catholic formation requires more than instruction – it requires the experience of God in wonder and sacrament. It requires beauty and reverence. And it requires the clear witness of adults around them.”

Linda Bracy, coordinator of Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Cross, explained, “Many adorers shared personal testimonies about how, without their weekly Adoration, they don’t know how they could have made it through times such as health crises in their lives for themselves or loved ones or financial hardships, job losses or relocations, or other difficulties of some sort like the loss of loved ones.”

“This weekly time, this heart-to-heart talk with Jesus is so healing, refreshing, and invigorating,” Bracy added. “It is impossible to describe or replicate. He heals our wounds, He nourishes and fortifies us and gives us the wisdom, grace, and strength to persevere to seek and do His will.”

Adorers pray for the pope, Bishop LaValley, our priests, vocations, the sick and suffering, world peace, and all those in need. Their time with our Lord leads adorers to bring His love to others in the parish, our diocesan community, and beyond.

Those who attend regularly testify to the numerous graces that time with our Eucharistic Lord brings. “Adoration is the one thing I experience all week that unfailingly brings me peace of mind,” said Marie Nacht, a lay minister and weekly adorer at Holy Cross Parish. “It’s so good to rest in the presence of the Lord.”

Several adorers noted that their weekly holy hour has helped them develop a personal relationship with the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. “Adoration has been invaluable for my relationship with Christ,” added Deacon James Carlin of Holy Cross Parish. “The quiet time in with Christ has allowed me the opportunity to block out the noise of the world and focus on Him and what He is asking of my life. I have had some of my most profound spiritual experiences while praying at Adoration.”

Steven Geddes, a parish council member at Holy Cross Parish and weekly adorer, reflected, “I first learned about adoration from the Litany of St. Padre Pio where one of his titles is ‘Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament.’ The concluding prayer states ‘May we follow your Son by walking in the footsteps of St. Padre Pio.’ So I took that to heart, and while I never will be a saint, imitating their love for the Blessed Sacrament through adoration has brought me into a closer relationship with Jesus and helped me to fully realize his presence in the Eucharist.”

Testimonies also share the theme of thankfulness for God’s personal, ever-present love.

“I have done adoration at the chapel in Plattsburgh weekly for a number of years. I don’t know how I would do without it in my life,” commented Barbara LaTulipe, a Holy Cross parishioner. “Thanks to the Bracy’s for keeping it going. We are truly blessed!”

Another weekly adorer from Holy Cross Parish, Kitty St. Denis, expressed her gratitude too.

“I can’t thank Jesus enough for being able to be with Him at Eucharistic Adoration,” she said. “His presence and blessings are so tangible when we are faithful to visiting Him in this way.”

Kathy Racette and her husband Ken are both scheduled weekly adorers as well.

“Adoration to me is the highlight of my week,” Kathy said. “I look forward to spending time with Jesus, my Savior. He is truly present in the Eucharist. He listens to my joys and sorrows. Jesus is always there for me. Also, I have learned to listen to Him, such as ‘Be still and know that I am God’ or ‘I will love you always.’ It’s a precious time for me and I recommend it for everyone who’s looking for peace and quiet and a relationship with Jesus!”

In the words of Father Marzan, “Let us take the time to kneel before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Simply be present and receive the love of the Lord. When two people love each other, they want to spend time together to visit, to get to know each other better. We cannot love someone we do not know. Adoration of our Lord in the Eucharist is our chance to know Jesus better.”

For more information on the weekly Adoration at Holy Cross Parish or to sign-up or become a substitute, please contact 518-563-3773.