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April 11, 2005 
VOL.
43, NO. 7Oakland,
CA
Papal-blessed monstrance coming to Concord
to encourage prayers for religious vocations
A monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II is coming
to the Oakland Diocese, April 16-17, for a special Eucharistic Adoration
for vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life.
The adoration will take place in the chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Church
in Concord, beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on April 16 and concluding
with Solemn Benediction after the 7 p.m. Mass on April 17. Catholics throughout
the diocese are invited to participate. The church is located at 860 Oak
Grove Road.
The monstrance is traveling to dioceses throughout North America for prayer
services built around adoration of the consecrated host during the Year
of the Eucharist. A monstrance is a gold case and stand used to display
the Eucharist for adoration. Pope John Paul blessed six in November for
use in the U.S. and Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the
Pacific.
“This is our opportunity to be in solidarity with the world in praying
for vocations,” said Father Edward J. Burns, executive director
of the U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation.
His office has joined with Serra International, a Catholic organization
promoting vocations, in organizing the monstrance tour in the U.S. Also
involved in promoting the tour is the Legionaries of Christ, a religious
order of priests.
The Year of the Eucharist began last Oct. 17 and will conclude this October
with a world Synod of Bishops on the theme of the Eucharist.
This monstrance, blessed by Pope John Paul II, will be in Concord April 16-17.
