By Catholic San Francisco
The Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park celebrated 30 years of perpetual adoration on Jan. 6 with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and a joyful reception at Vallombrosa Retreat House.
The initiative began in 1993 when Mary Ellen Peloso, wife of Deacon Dominick Peloso and parishioner at Nativity, approached then-pastor Father Clement Davenport about starting the devotion after learning about it at a conference. While he said yes, it took three years to work up to 24-hour adoration seven days per week.
Since then, the parishioner-run effort has blossomed into a vibrant Eucharistic-centered community. Even late at night, one can find many at prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
“We are happy to come to celebrate these 30 years of perpetual adoration here at Nativity parish,” said Archbishop Cordileone in his homily. “It is truly a milestone of inspiration, hope, and renewed commitment to go and meet the Lord through the eyes of faith—to bend low and offer our worship, express in our offering to Him the best that we have and in our love for our neighbor.”
At the reception following Mass, Father Mark Doherty, pastor of Nativity parish, thanked the Pelosos for starting perpetual adoration at the parish and their dedication and perseverance in keeping it going. He also thanked all parishioners for their commitment to participating in the effort, acknowledging that without them this would not be possible.
Deacon Peloso also thanked the pastors of Nativity parish for their support, beginning with Father Davenport and continuing with Monsignor Otellini and Father Doherty. Peloso also encouraged those who have not officially signed up for adoration to do so, not only because it helps the participating community, but also because it makes a person a sharer in all the graces associated with perpetual adoration.
The feast of the Epiphany and our life of faith
Reflecting on the feast of the Epiphany and the gifts of the Three Magi, Archbishop Cordileone spoke in his homily about the gifts we bring to Him in Eucharisitic adoration.
“We come to the Blessed Sacrament to find Our Lord present, and we bend down low to offer Him our homage,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “We go to worship and to adore Him. Do we bring Him the most precious gifts that we have to offer? How do we steward the blessings that God has given to us…our time, talent, and treasure?”
The Magi’s gift of gold is a reference to our economic goods. How are we stewarding our financial goods for the benefit of God and others? Myrrh is a reminder that we are time bound in this world, making us reflect on how we use our time to know, love, and serve God and others. Frankincense was used in worship, making us reflect on whether we bring our best to God in Mass and in Eucharistic adoration.
When we live the spirituality of stewardship, the archbishop said, we become like stars for others.
“In this way, we become the stars the world needs in our time,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “And I don’t mean stars in the sense of superstars or super personalities of fame and fortune; but rather, stars in the sense of reliable points of light by which people can navigate themselves to Jesus Christ. When we live our calling well, we become those stars. We’re reliable. People can find Christ through our witness and example.”
Photos: John Bartolome
