Incarnate Word Academy high school level students unite for adoration

Father Zerr leads students in adoration.

Students at the Incarnate Word Academy high school level joined together on Wednesday, Dec. 3, for Eucharistic Adoration in the school’s Mother Patricia Gunning Gymnasium.

“Eucharistic Adoration is a sign of devotion and worship of Jesus Christ,” Sister Rosa Ortiz, IWA Campus Minister, said. “We go before the Blessed Sacrament and adore Jesus.”

The practice of the Eucharistic Adoration can be done at any time.

“Many of our students participate in adoration on their own,” Ortiz said. “I find that our students are very open to it. They find that it is something that they look forward to.”

During Eucharistic Adoration, the Eucharist is displayed in a luna—round glass and gilded metal container that holds the Host securely in place—within a monstrance.

The entrance procession began in silence with Father Dennis Zerr and altar servers, who carried candles and thurifer for the incense. After the entrance procession, Father Zerr exposed the Blessed Sacrament and then the Eucharist in the monstrance was incensed.

“Adoration followed in silence with a loving gaze between us and Jesus,” Ortiz said.

Following Adoration, Father Zerr will use the humeral veil for the Benediction, incense will be used again, and the bells will ring. Father will then walk the monstrance among the congregation during Benediction, place it on the altar again, and lead the Divine Praises.

After the Divine Praises, Father Zerr removed the luna from the monstrance, and the Eucharist was returned to the chapel.

“Advent season is all about seeing Jesus in other people,” Ortiz said. “During Adoration, we are seeing Jesus right in front of us peacefully in unity.”