The Diocese of Machala has a new permanent adoration chapel for the Blessed Sacrament
“I Am with You All Days, Until the End of the World” (Mt 28:16-20)
By: Fr. Héctor Jacinto Pesantez Atiencia
As part of the preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress 2024, several activities have been undertaken to strengthen the faith of the People of God. One of these is the creation of chapels for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
On Saturday, August 10, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy, Diocese of Machala, Bishop Vicente Saeteros blessed the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament as a space for permanent adoration. This chapel will help strengthen encounters with Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist and also reinforce human relationships in daily life—work, study, family, faith, etc.—in the region of Loja, which needs much peace, serenity, and hope to overcome the difficulties that have troubled the people of this beloved Diocese.
Prior to the blessing of this new space for Eucharistic devotion, there was a solemn moment at the entrance of the People of God, with a manifestation of joy to meet their Lord and Creator and to begin the Eucharist blessing the Chapel of Permanent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The visible presence of the people thirsty for God reflects the thirst for hope in the promises of Jesus Christ: “I am with you all days, until the end of the world” (Mt 28:16-20).
In addition to the presence of Bishop Vicente Saeteros, the Bishop of the Diocese of Machala, the solemn blessing ceremony of this new chapel was attended by religious, priests, catechists, communities, and parishioners in general.
It is worth highlighting the leading role of Father Carlos Vinicio Rodríguez Montoya, Pastor of the Cathedral and Chancellor of the Diocese, in the management and construction of the Chapel, along with Father Vicente Romero and Cathedral groups.
In summary, the blessing of the Chapel of Permanent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, imparted by Bishop Saeteros, was a joyful experience for all present; a space that will serve to adore, meditate, contemplate, and admire the presence of Jesus Christ made bread in the Eucharist. He has been and will be with us!
In this way, the Diocese of Machala is preparing to celebrate the Eucharistic Congress together from September 8-15, 2024, in Quito.
Photographs: Alicia del Cisne Mora Veintimilla
