What is the Visit?
It is the meeting of our soul and of all our being with Jesus.
It is the creature meeting his Creator;
the disciple before the Divine Master;
the patient with the Doctor of souls;
the poor one appealing to the Rich One;
the thirsty one drinking at the Font;
the weak one presenting himself to the Almighty;
the tempted one seeking a sure Refuge;
the blind one searching for the Light;
the friend who goes to the True Friend;
the lost sheep sought by the divine Shepherd;
the heart led astray who finds the Way;
the foolish one who finds Wisdom;
the bride who finds the Spouse of the soul;
the nothing who finds the All;
the afflicted who finds the Consoler;
the youth who finds life’s meaning.
The Visit is the practice which most directs and influences our entire life and the whole apostolate.
-Bl. James Alberione on the Hour of Adoration
1. Praying in Adoration
If possible, make this Hour of Adoration before Jesus present in the Eucharist. If that is not possible, find a quiet place and spend some moments adoring Jesus present within you and around you. As you begin, recall that Jesus is always present to you, and that He desired to be with you so much that He gives Himself continually in the Eucharist. He will be present on this earth until the end of time because He wants so much to be with you.
Act of Adoration
I believe, my God, that I am in your presence, that you are looking at me and listening to my prayers. You are so great and so holy: I adore you. You have given me all: I thank you. You have been so offended by me: I ask your pardon with all my heart. You are so merciful: I ask of you all the graces that you know are beneficial to me. Amen.
(Prayers of the Pauline Family)
2. In Honor of Jesus Truth—Listening to the Word
In the first part of our Visit with Jesus, we spend time listening to Him in His Word, the Sacred Scriptures. You can choose any Scripture passage for this part; one is recommended below that may help you meditate and pray with Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. Before you prayerfully and slowly read the Scripture passage, reflect on it, and dialogue with Jesus about it, spend some time becoming aware that the Jesus who speaks in the Gospels is the same Jesus before you now in the Eucharist.
John 1:35-42
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
3. In Honor of Jesus Way—Following Jesus Master
In the second part of our Visit with Jesus, we spend time with Jesus who is the Way. We look at our life in the light of His Word that we have just heard. We share our thoughts, feelings, and desires with Him, and we listen in silence to His desires and invitations for us. We especially ask Him to show us how He has been moving in our life and how we have responded to His invitations. The following questions may be helpful for reflection and journaling.
Questions for Reflection and Journaling
- What stands out to me from the Gospel passage? From my conversation with Jesus?
- As I look over the past day, what stands out to me? How was Jesus present to me?
- How have I responded to Jesus’ invitations recently? How have I not responded?
- What is Jesus inviting me to today?
- What do I most want to say to Jesus in this moment?
4. In Honor of Jesus Life—Interceding for the World
In the third part of our Visit with Jesus, we turn to Jesus Life for two things: first, to ask grace for ourselves so that we can live out His invitation to us. Second, to ask grace for the world. Bl. James Alberione said that we are “living lamps” representing the world before the Tabernacle. What people, intentions, needs, groups of people, or world situations are on your mind and your heart? Bring these to Jesus and speak to Him about them. Then, offer the rosary or a mystery of the rosary for these intentions.
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
The Archangel Gabriel announces to the Blessed Virgin Mary the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and her mission to be the Mother of God. Mary accepts, declaring herself the handmaid of the Lord. Let us learn and ask for the virtue of humility (see Lk 1:26–38). (Prayers of the Pauline Family)
5. Praying in Thanksgiving
Spend a few moments thanking Jesus for this time and asking for the grace to live in always greater union with Him.
Prayer for Union with God
I desire to live a union with God as St. Paul proclaimed, “My life is Christ.”
I want to do everything through Him, with Him, and in Him.
May I stay united to Jesus with thoughts that are His, a will that is His.
May I love God the Father above everything and be enriched with a love that sacrifices for others.
May I imitate St. Paul in his union with the Divine Master, “Who is going to separate me from the love of Christ?”
Today, more intensity of life with Jesus Master.
I want to live Your obedience, Jesus,
You who live in me with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
(A prayer by Ven. Mother Thecla Merlo, co-foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul)
