Fr Doug Harris is seen exposing the Blessed Sacrament during adoration in Perth City last year. Photo: Supplied.
By Amanda Murthy
There is something about being before the actual presence of God, and listening to His voice, that makes Perpetual Adoration so powerful and effective, says Glendalough Parish Priest Fr Douglas Harris.
“What happens in that moment we are before the Blessed Sacrament, in which we believe God is actually present in the flesh – all our barriers and lack of indisposition are broken down, and we allow God to reign more and more in us,” he explained.
“It is truly humbling and a different experience each time.”
Fr Harris has made it his mission to promote Perpetual Adoration throughout Perth and beyond, ever since he was ordained a diocesan priest in 2000.
On 18 July 2006, he founded the Apostles of Perpetual Adoration with the support of Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, the then-Archbishop of Perth.
Glendalough Parish Priest Fr Doug Harris has made it his mission to encourage Perpetual Adoration in parishes throughout Australia. Photo: Supplied.
The group functions as a religious community whose specific mission is to encourage people throughout Australia in the spiritual “art” of Eucharistic Adoration.
There are currently five Perpetual Adoration chapels throughout Western Australia, and 12 chapels nationwide.
“The feedback has been very encouraging. Parishioners of all ages have come back to me saying that attending Holy Hour or Perpetual Adoration has brought many positive outcomes in their lives, and that they are truly able to receive the graces of God by praying, reflecting on Scriptures, and just by listening to His voice.
“I too am witness of this, through the many fruits I have received, one of which led me to discerning my vocation to the priesthood,” he added.
Some of the fruits of the 24-hour adorations, Fr Harris said, included the increase in number of vocations to religious and married life, as well as more active participation by the young people in churches.
“Currently, Catholic Youth Ministry hosts a Holy Hour session every Wednesday and I have noticed more parishioners extending their hours spent in the chapel.”
Fr Doug Harris lights the 2020 Plenary Council candle at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church. Photo: Michael Soh.
Fr Harris said his adoration routine starts with reciting a decade of the rosary, back and forth spiritual reading, which tends to lead him to meditate and reflect, followed by the Divine Office prayer, adding that everyone responds differently to the divine presence, and can pray in their own way.
“The Church calls the Eucharist the source of summit of apostolic works, and I truly believe that if we expand Perpetual Adoration in more churches, schools and perhaps even in hospitals, we will encourage more devotees to reflect, discern, and allow God to truly work wonders in our lives.
Fr Harris added that Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament is the Patron Saint and model of adoration.
“Without her, we would not have our Lord, and our Lord would not have made that sacrifice in which we obtained the Blessed Sacrament.
“Therefore we recognise Mother Mary, and intercede through her.”