Catholics have kept watch in Troy -- for 15 years

The chapel has remained available for devotion 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ever since, and at least one person has been present at all times.

Each day over that 15 years, members of St. Paul's and other Troy parishes, as well as Catholics in the Albany Diocese and the northeast, have continued the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Anniversary

There was even a cake to celebrate the Blessed Mother's birthday, and those in attendance sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

Several people who have participated in the perpetual adoration over the years spoke with The Evangelist about what their involvement has meant to them and how their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament has touched their lives.

Peaceful time

"Once you go there, it's such peace. When you shut that door and you're in there all alone, it's so quiet," she said. "And you know Our Lord is looking out at you. He's right in the monstrance there."

At times, she feels the Lord's presence quite strongly. "I had such a suffocating feeling I couldn't breathe. I felt His presence that much in that chapel," she said.

Ongoing effort

Occasionally, adorers stay longer than an hour if, for example, the next scheduled person is running late or if they simply desire to spend more time in prayer and reflection. Ms. Baker usually doesn't have difficulty finding substitutes if someone can't come to the chapel, but she's always looking for additional adorers to continue the perpetual adoration.

Few gaps

Spending time in quiet devotion to the Blessed Sacrament lifts her spirits, and she knows that Jesus and the Blessed Mother appreciate her effort.

"When you come out of there, you feel good. You feel you've done something. It's beautiful for Our Lord. And Mary will bless you for going over and spending this hour with Him," she said.

Life-giving effort

Ms. Harrington, who baked the birthday cake for Mary for the 15th anniversary, cherishes her moments of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and can't imagine giving up her ministry as an adorer.

"I couldn't live without it. This is my life, and that chapel is my salvation," she said.

Presence of Jesus

"I really have come to believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It's like a fire within me, and I can't stay away," she said.

Proud to be part of the perpetual adoration, she is awed by the number of adorers who have traveled from all parts of the Diocese and the northeast to keep their devotion during these 15 years.

On a personal level, Ms. Casey has felt her love for Jesus and Mary deepen by praying before the Blessed Sacrament every week, and she finds her devotion is time well spent.

"I just have become so in love with our Blessed Lord and Our Blessed Mother," she said.

(For more information about Perpetual Adoration or to become an adorer, call Helen Baker at 283-5497.)

(09-10-98) [[In-content Ad]]