“The LORD will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14:14). These ancient words from Scripture have resonated deeply with me, especially in recent times when the ground beneath my own feet felt uncertain. In moments of doubt, fear, and profound life challenges, where do we find the stillness to truly trust, the strength to persevere, and the unwavering hope that reminds us we are never truly alone? For me, and for so many Catholics, the answer lies in the profound and enduring mystery of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is here, in the Sacrament of Love, that we encounter our Lord, truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—offering Himself as our anchor, our solace, and our ultimate source of strength. As Father John Lado, our Parochial Vicar, often reminds us in his pastoral reflections, when life’s storms rage, our greatest act of surrender and trust is to “keep still” before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, allowing Him to fight our battles and fill us with His peace—and so lean on Jesus!
A Call from the Heart: Igniting Eucharistic Fire
On May 1st, the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, our parish family at Saint Andrew Apostle Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland gathered for a deeply special Eucharistic Holy Hour. This evening was born from a desire to embrace and uplift all those who have lost employment, are underemployed, or are struggling with life’s many uncertainties. In a time where so many carry invisible burdens of anxiety and despair, amplified by global conflicts, local tensions, and personal struggles, it was a precious opportunity to remember that no one walks alone – and that Christ Himself remains intimately with us in our suffering, truly present in the Eucharist, in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The invitation to organize this Holy Hour was, for me, a deeply humbling and profoundly personal call. It felt as though Christ Himself was inviting me to draw closer to Him through the Eucharist, igniting my spiritual charism and passion for His Real Presence in a new way. My deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the very heart of the Eucharist, deepened even further through this experience. Father John Lado, who asked me to lead this effort, has been a true inspiration, guiding my own journey ever closer to Jesus especially this year. And for that reason, I am forever grateful. This entire initiative blossomed with the unwavering love and support of our Pastor, Father Jack Kennealy. Father Jack has always been a tremendous spiritual leader, consistently championing the many ministries at Saint Andrew Apostle, and my heart overflows with Glory to God for his steadfast dedication to our parish family.
Bringing this Holy Hour to life was a labor of love, a meticulous work of faith and effort. Our team and I worked tirelessly on every detail, from the initial planning and promotion across our parish and neighboring communities in the Archdiocese of Washington, to creating and refining the event flyer. I coordinated meetings with Father John, collaborated closely with the rectory staff for publishing and broader promotion, and worked hand-in-hand with fellow parish leads to prepare the church itself. Writing and finalizing the program booklet and holy hour prayer cards became a sacred task, meticulously overseeing every edit and printing detail. Each element was a prayer in itself, carefully curated to prepare hearts for a profound encounter with Christ, featuring inspiring prayers, reflections, hymns and key Scripture passages that Father John would illuminate. I truly believe every whisper of God’s care infused our efforts.
A fellow organizer, Janice Malchado, shared her own heartfelt reasons for joining this effort: “It was on the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. My dad’s name is Joseph so Saint Joseph is extra special to our family. I was recently impacted by job loss and wanted to join others who had also experienced unemployment. Finally, Father John asked me to assist.” Her words resonated deeply, reminding me how personal connections, shared hardship, and a divine invitation can beautifully converge to serve others. She was, along with Jayne Misra and a handful of other devoted parishioners, instrumental in helping to usher this Holy Hour from concept to the sacred reality we experienced that evening, from preparing the church and altar to assisting with ushering.
Encountering Christ in Our Struggles
Every element of that evening was intentionally prepared, infused with the hope that those who attended would find profound peace, renewed hope, and true solidarity. As we knelt before the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, the very heart of our faith, it felt like standing at the source of all consolation. The monstrance, radiating light from the altar,
became the luminous focal point of the entire evening, truly illuminating the living presence of Christ among us.
The Holy Hour began with a collective invocation of the Holy Spirit that set a tone of humble openness to divine guidance, a crucial invitation for every heart seeking direction amidst life’s uncertainties.
Father John then offered profound reflections, weaving Scripture into the tapestry of our shared human experience, reminding us that throughout history, God’s boundless love has carried His people through unimaginable trials and uncertainty.
We lifted our voices in song – voices from different parishes, backgrounds, and walks of life blending together in beautiful unity, drawing from hymns like “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,” and “Oh God, Our Help In Ages Past.” Significantly, the timeless hymn “Be Not Afraid” resonated most powerfully through the church, its message directly echoing the famous words of Pope Saint John Paul II, known throughout the world as a “champion of hope” who famously proclaimed, “Christ is with you, be not afraid.” This theme of courage found in Christ’s unwavering presence was palpable, a balm for every anxious heart. We then humbly invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our tender Mother, and asked Saint Joseph, the silent but steadfast worker, to guide and protect us. As we prayed the Litany of Saint Joseph and the Memorare, seeking Mary’s powerful intercession – She, whose Immaculate Heart is truly the spouse of the Holy Spirit and intimately tied to the mystery of the Eucharist – I truly felt our collective petitions rising with renewed confidence.
From the very first note of “O Salutaris Hostia” initiated by Father John during the Exposition, a profound, tangible peace descended upon the church. The dimmed lighting enveloped us, creating a sacred intimacy centered entirely on the glowing monstrance. Later, as the strains of “Be Not afraid” filled the core, and then our collective voices joined in the resounding “Tantum Ergo Sacramentum,” a wave of profound emotion washed over me. Kneeling there, amidst the flickering votive candles and the quiet stillness reverence, witnessing so many hearts united in prayer before our Eucharistic King, felt like a glimpse of heaven on earth.
It was a powerful, deeply personal reminder that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ’s presence shines brightly, dispelling every shadow of fear and doubt. Janice particularly noted, “I was really touched when the cantor stopped singing hymns after a few verses but the congregation did not want to stop and sung additional verses.” This spontaneous outpouring of communal faith powerfully demonstrated the deep spiritual hunger present that evening, a hunger fed by the very presence of Christ Himself.
It was truly a night overflowing with grace. The peace in the church was not just tangible; it was a living testament to the Real Presence that enveloped us. Tears were shed, hearts were visibly strengthened, and burdens were gently, lovingly laid down before Jesus. After weeks of preparation ensuring every detail was perfect for our King, hours before, I found myself standing in the sanctuary, touching the altar gently, pouring out my heart to Jesus in quiet prayer. I gazed at the finished product, ready and fit for His divine presence. My eyes then fell upon the statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph, perfectly placed to the right of the Blessed Mother. Their silent presence added to the sublimity of the moment, creating an atmosphere of profound sacredness—a true sanctuary from the world’s anxieties.
Not Alone in the Struggle: My Testimony
This experience is deeply, profoundly personal to me because I, too, have been directly impacted by changes in the workforce. I intimately know the weight of uncertainty, the feeling of invisibility, and the insidious temptation to despair that can accompany such challenges. But that night, I was reminded – and I hope to remind all – you are not alone. As Father John reflected on Jeremiah 29:11, I was especially moved by Father John’s clear and heartfelt message: “I (Jesus) will listen to you and when you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you look, seek me with all your heart and you will find me, says the Lord. And I will change your lot.” His words, coupled with the silent, loving presence of Christ in the Eucharist, brought immense comfort and a renewed sense of purpose to my soul. This reflection echoed that Jesus is our hope.
The shared experience was evident in the sentiments of many attendees afterward. Janice observed how “happy others who were impacted had an opportunity to pray before Jesus in a community.” This sentiment resonated deeply; I spoke with someone from another parish who expressed, “What a beautiful night last evening with our Lord.” We heard stories that highlighted the broader impact of economic hardship on families and communities. This underscored the very real, immediate impact on so many lives and the profound need for communal, spiritual support. The common question echoed from many hearts at the end of the night: “Will this gathering (Holy Hour) be ongoing?” – a testament to the profound need for such an encounter with Christ in these challenging times.
As this Holy Hour so powerfully revealed, when we come together before Christ in His Real Presence, there is deep healing. There is hope that transcends earthly difficulties. There is unwavering strength to be found in our shared faith.
Janice’s heartfelt advice to those struggling silently beautifully encapsulates this message, offering a path to peace: “Take this opportunity to spend time with our Heavenly Father and talk to him about your concerns. He is your personal savior, is always listening, and wants the very best for you. Trust that he will see you through this struggle. Listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and try to let your heart be at peace though it is difficult when one has financial or other burdens. Ask for his peace that surpasses everything. And reach out to the church community about your concerns.” Because, as she wisely concluded, “nothing really happens without Him.”
A Continuing Invitation: Spreading Eucharistic Fire
Following the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the resounding voices of the congregation joined in “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,” a final hymn of thanksgiving for the abundant grace we had received. This entire effort, from its humble inception to its beautiful conclusion, has had a profound and transformative impact on my own spiritual journey. It has not only reinforced but deeply ignited my love for the Eucharist, solidifying my own testimony to the core mission of the National Eucharistic Revival and my dedication as a Eucharistic Missionary. Indeed, there’s something remarkable happening across the United States with this ongoing Revival; in just the last few years, we’ve seen countless individuals return to the one true faith of Catholicism, and many more have converted, drawn by an authentic and intimate relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist. This Revival is truly a reawakening of the Catholic faith itself, a powerful movement demonstrating the timeless appeal and transformative power of our Church. This is the profound truth we hold as Catholics: the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist.
Christ has called me to be closer to Him through the Blessed Sacrament in ways I never imagined, and I now feel a powerful, urgent call to do the same for others. My desire is to share this profound encounter with His Real Presence, inviting all to encounter His love and mercy as a tangible source of strength in every challenge, not only within the vibrant community of Saint Andrew Apostle, but throughout the entire Archdiocese of Washington and even beyond. When Father John asked me to lead coordination of this effort, I remember immediately, a deep resonance struck me. This wasn’t just another task; it was a concrete, tangible way to live out my mission as a Eucharistic Missionary. It was a direct invitation to reach out to our fellow parishioners—our brothers and sisters—who were most in need of hope and solace.
For those facing the profound anxieties of any hardships, hold onto the unwavering promise of Jeremiah 29:11 that the Lord is our hope. And in moments of deepest need, turn to the comforting and life-giving words of our Lord in the Gospel of John 6:54, who assures us of His abiding presence and eternal life in Him. As the Holy Spirit is our inheritance, so too is the Eucharist our heavenly inheritance here on earth.
Going forward, I’d love to continue building a community where those impacted by life’s many uncertainties can come together for prayer, support, and encouragement or simply spend time with the Lord. If you’d like to pray together, share your story, or simply not walk this road alone, I invite you to reach out. Beyond our communal prayer, I want to encourage and invite all of us to encounter Jesus’ Real Presence in a deeper way in Eucharistic Adoration. I warmly welcome all to join us at Saint Andrew Apostle Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland for Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.. and Healing Mass with Eucharistic Adoration every month. Come and visit our parish family!
Just as I experienced new life, I believe spending time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament can be a profound source of peace and strength. He is our spiritual nourishment—He is Life itself! I urge you to give Our Lord permission to reveal Himself to you, to truly encounter His Real Presence in the Eucharist, and be transformed. As you open your heart to Him, you will experience the fullness of His pure, perfect love in a way that is utterly profound and truly beyond imagination. It is a love so deep, so boundless, that words simply fall short. Allow yourself to be embraced by this divine love, and you will be transformed in ways you never thought possible, experiencing a newness of life and peace that only He can offer. You will discover a love so pure, so transformative, that it defies explanation – a testament to the unimaginable depth of God’s heart.
One thing for certain, my encounter with Jesus a few years ago for the first time during a 40 Hours Eucharistic Adoration on Holy Thursday was radically memorable and changed me forever. Truly, the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324). As for me, I see the Eucharist as an essential nourishment for our pilgrimage here on earth. The Eucharist is foundational to our Catholic identity! As we are all called missionary disciples to build up the Kingdom of God, we can bring others closer to Christ by accompanying one another through community—offering gifts of kindness and generosity through prayers, but above all, helping others encounter Jesus in the Eucharist. This Jubilee Year, we are reminded that we are all Pilgrims of Hope. Let us spread the love of neighbor with the Eucharistic Lord, just as the soon-to-be saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, exemplified in his passionate devotion to the Eucharist and his evangelization through modern means. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of encountering Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and sharing that encounter with the world. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, continue to carry us – and may Saint Joseph, intercede for all seeking dignity, hope, and strength in their labor and lives. Pope Saint John Paul II, reminds us: “Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families.”
May we be witnesses of Jesus Christ in the Real Presence and let our hearts be forever inflamed by his awe-inspiring grandeur! “May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection at every moment in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.”
