Venerable Pope Pius XII (1939 to
1958)
Quotes On
The Importance Of Eucharistic Adoration
Especially
thru his 1947 Encyclical "Mediator Dei" (On the Sacred Liturgy) Pope Pius
XII began a new stage in the Church's teaching on the efficacy of prayer to
Jesus really present in the Sacrament of the altar. Here are some of his
quotes on the importance of Eucharistic Adoration in our lives:
April 26, 1935 - Cardinal Pacelli (before he became Pope Pius XII) Speech In Lourdes France
"The Sacred Heart of Jesus clearly revealed to St.
Margaret Mary Alacoque the overwhelming sadness caused to him by the
ingratitude of those who are consecrated to him most intimately. Let us ask
him in earnest prayer to have pity on them at last. May those Eucharistic
days, devoted to perpetual adoration, be also days of expiation and ardent
prayer for sacrilegious priests!"
Nov. 20, 1947 - Pope Pius XII Encyclical "Mediator Dei" (On The Sacred Liturgy) (Source: Vatican website –
www.vatican.va)
130. "The Sacred Councils teach that it is the Church's
tradition right from the beginning, to worship "with the same adoration the
Word Incarnate as well as His own flesh,"...
131. "It is on this doctrinal basis that the cult of
adoring the Eucharist was founded and gradually developed as something
distinct from the sacrifice of the Mass. The reservation of the sacred
species for the sick and those in danger of death introduced the
praiseworthy custom of adoring the blessed Sacrament which is reserved in
our churches. This practice of adoration, in fact, is based on strong and
solid reasons. For the Eucharist is at once a sacrifice and a sacrament; but
it differs from the other sacraments in this that it not only produces
grace, but contains in a permanent manner the Author of grace Himself."
131. "When, therefore, the Church bids us adore Christ
hidden behind the eucharistic veils and pray to Him for spiritual and
temporal favors, of which we ever stand in need, she manifests living faith
in her divine Spouse who is present beneath these veils, she professes her
gratitude to Him and she enjoys the intimacy of His friendship."
132. "Now, the Church in the course of centuries has introduced
various forms of this worship which are ever increasing in beauty and
helpfulness: as, for example, visits of devotion to the tabernacles, even
every day;...and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament publicly exposed."
133. "These exercises of piety have brought a wonderful
increase in faith and supernatural life to the Church militant upon earth
and they are reechoed to a certain extent by the Church triumphant in heaven
which sings continually a hymn of praise to God and to the Lamb "who was
slain." Wherefore, the Church not merely approves these pious
practices, which in the course of centuries have spread everywhere
throughout the world, but makes them her own, as it were, and by her
authority commends them."
May 31, 1953 - Pope Pius XII Allocution
"The Blessed Eucharist is for Its adorers an
inexhaustible source of light and strength. Those who, especially in the
silent hours of the night, gather together in adoration with the Angels and
render to the Lamb, who was immolated, the thanksgiving due to Him, draw
abundantly for themselves and for all the Church waters from the fountains
of the Savior."
