Excerpts From the Manual of the
Eucharistic Crusade of the Apostleship of Prayer

Educating the Youth to Live the Mass

(slightly edited by Fr. Boulet)

C. VISITS TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

            When dealing with Eucharistic piety, the Norms in the last place urge the practice of visiting the Blessed Sacrament. The reason is that this practice" helps a great deal to foster a holy familiarity with Christ" (ct. Art. II, 2).

            But to obtain this result the children must be properly instructed. These visits are opportunities by which they can take themselves into the presence of Christ and speak with Him. These visits must be voluntary. Although from time to time a visit can be made in common, yet it must be insisted on that it is made with full internal freedom in order to honour God and benefit from His presence. Stress the importance of honouring God by putting oneself in His presence, and of the grace received on this occasion.

            If visits are made in common, then generally prayers are recited aloud or some hymns sung. However time should be given so that the children can talk to Our Lord in their own words for a short time.         Children shou1d be encouraged to make such visits privately in order to greet Our Lord and to pray to Him for their own and public needs.

            The ordinary meetings, excursions etc., which the Crusade runs, should as far as possible include a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

(To be continued)