Sometimes Catholics will talk about an "adoration chapel," which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it.
What is an adoration chapel?
An adoration chapel is a dedicated space in a church or a small separate building that is designed for personal prayer to Jesus present in a consecrated Eucharistic host.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church briefly explains the Catholic teaching regarding the Eucharist: “By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood” (CCC 1376).
This means that while the appearance of bread and wine remains, the substance is changed (through the power of God) completely to the body and blood of Christ.
As a result, Catholics for many centuries have engaged in Eucharistic adoration, during which they spend time in prayer before a consecrated host displayed in a liturgical vessel called a monstrance.
This host is the Blessed Sacrament, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and praying in an adoration chapel is often explained as sitting or kneeling in front of Jesus himself.
Many churches have created their own private spaces for Eucharistic adoration, either within their existing church building, or in a separate building. This allows individuals to pray before Jesus in a quiet atmosphere, facilitating contemplative prayer.
If you ever feel drawn to spending extra time with Jesus, try to find a local adoration chapel and listen to God's voice speak in your soul.
