WHEN the parish of St Lawrence and Mary Immaculate opened its Perpetual Adoration chapel on December 8, it was a dream come true for parish priest, Fr Irek Czech SDS.
Since becoming parish priest of Balcatta and Gwelup in 2010, the Salvatorian priest had often thought about introducing Perpetual Adoration.
“The thought about it was like a seed within me, which had to grow for some time to become mature enough,” he explained.
He said December 8 was the ideal day to commence Perpetual Adoration as it coincided with several important milestones.
“It was the anniversary of the founding of the Salvatorian community to which I belong in 1881,” Fr Irek said. “Fr Francis Jordan, the founder, was known for his remarkable Eucharistic devotion. That holy man was spending up to seven hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament daily.”
The day also marked the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Perth.
Fr Irek said the response from parishioners had been excellent thus far. “On the weekend of December 7 and 8, we asked parishioners to commit themselves to an hour a week on the roster,” he said.
“Just on that weekend, 212 people committed to spend an hour a week adoring Jesus present in the Eucharist.”
Prior to the chapel’s opening, the parish held a retreat on the theme of Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr Doug Harris.
Angela Boothroyd also spoke to parishioners about the benefits of devoting time to spend with Christ in Perpetual Adoration.
Fr Irek said although it has been challenging to find people to fill the early morning time slots, he was greatly encouraged by the response so far and has great hopes for the future of Perpetual Adoration at the parish.
“I hope that the prayers offered in the Perpetual Adoration chapel will bring renewal and great blessings not only to those who committed themselves to the Adoration but to their families, the parish, to the whole Archdiocese of Perth and, indeed, to the whole world,” he said.
“I know that if we find at least an hour a week to make the Lord the centre of our lives, he will fill us with his peace and grant us what we need to be truly holy as individuals and as the Church community.”
Fr Irek said he was grateful for the efforts of many parishioners in helping to facilitate Perpetual Adoration at St Lawrence’s, and would highly recommend Adoration 24 hours a day to other parishes.
“I would like to encourage parish priests who are thinking about the possibility of the Perpetual Adoration in their parishes to make that decision without fear,” he said.
“May [Perpetual] Adoration of Jesus bring to our Church blessed fruits of joy, peace and renewal.”
To join St Lawrence’s parish in making a weekly Holy Hour, phone the parish office on 9344 7066 or e-mail: office@stlawrence.org.au.