LIFE FOR THE WORLD: A WAY OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR TODAY

by Sister Marie Paul Curley, FSP Pauline, 2003 213 pages, $12.95

To order: (800) 876-4463 or www.pauline.org

The June 13 feast of Corpus Christi — especially if its observance includes such solemn touches as a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction at three altars and the singing of the Latin Eucharistic hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas — is a day when it is easy to stir the Catholic heart with love for Christ in the Sacred Host.

Those who know this love, even if only from making occasional “visits” before the tabernacle or monstrance, also know it's not always easy to find the words and sentiments for personal prayer and meditation in these moments.

Here's help from Sister Marie Paul Curley, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, who draws from her religious congregation's markedly Eucharistic spirituality. The book includes 12 holy hours organized around the person of Jesus as he is encountered in Scripture. These are complimented by a generous serving of traditional and contemporary Eucharistic prayers.

The Pauline organization and approach to Eucharistic worship can become a permanent aid, especially for those who, through adoration, attempt to live Corpus Christi, the June 18 feast of the Lord's Body and Blood, every day.

The book is centered on the spirituality and insights of Father James Alberione, an Italian priest beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003. Before he died in 1971 at age 87, Father Alberione founded the Daughters of St. Paul and four other active religious congregations that are dedicated primarily to the Catholic apostolate of mass communications. For a man born in 1884, this was certainly a modern, forward-looking apostolate that demanded intense activity, presumably leaving only little time for prayer.

On the contrary, he would typically spend a total of four to five hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament each day. Sister Marie Paul describes Blessed Alberione's method of adoration as “easy to use and particularly relevant for today in its rich use of Scripture, its flexibility and its holistic approach.”

Blessed Alberione explained that “frequent encounters and familiar conversation with Jesus produce friendship, resemblance and identity of thought, of feeling and of willing with Jesus.”

Deeply devoted to St. Paul, Blessed Alberione focused on the apostle's many statements that summarize what it means to have an all-consuming relationship with Christ, such as “for me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

“The heart of Alberione's Pauline spirituality can be summed up,” Sister Marie Paul says, “in this one phrase, Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life.” By means of it, “Jesus profoundly influences anyone who encounters him.”

Consistent with these themes, the structure of the Pauline hour follows the threefold definition that Jesus gave himself — as Way, Truth and Life — and is divided into three corresponding “moments” or parts.

This simple structure, while it can only be summarized here, may be employed by anyone, beginner or veteran. I prayed a number of the hours in the book and found the Pauline approach and themes enriching and helpful.

In fact, it is an excellent model that could be followed by enthusiasts of other schools of meditation and of Eucharistic spirituality. Saints and founders from Francis of Assisi to Alphonsus Liguori to Teresa of Calcutta have likewise drawn close to the tabernacle and have urged their followers to do likewise.

Their eloquent words and insights could be used, for example, to model a Franciscan or Salesian holy hour — to the great benefit of those who wish to celebrate Corpus Christi as often as possible.

Joseph Cullen writes from Floral Park, New York.