The Lord be Adored – Forever!

The Adoracion Nocturna Filipina (ANF) of the Archdiocese of Davao, once again, resumed its Annual Recollection after a long period of dormancy due to the lockdown from the pandemic. It was held at the gymnasium hall of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ma-a Road, Davao City last November 12, 2022 where Msgr. Paul Cuison and Rev. Fr Mario Holmina, OSJ, were the guest speakers. This year’s theme is, “Keeping Hope in the Midst of Difficulties with Mother Mary in the Eucharist”. Its Davao archdiocesan spiritual director, Rev. Fr. Leonie “Toto” España, celebrated mass before closing the event.

This catholic society for the laity has its primary activity of nocturnal (/night) adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It was actually a fruit of the 1917 Code of Canon. “It is recommended that in these churches or oratories, there is to be each year, a solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for an appropriate, even if not for a continuous time, so that the local community may more attentively meditate on and adore the Eucharistic mystery … “ (1917 Code of Canon, Bk IV Art. 4 Ch. III #942 … the same guidance is inclusive in the 1983 Code of Canon)

With the church direction of encouraging a regular Eucharistic Adoration for the laity, the Night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was established. The devotion spread worldwide to which the Adoracion Nocturna Filipina (ANF) was formed. Thereafter, it was formally recognized by the “Archconfraternity of Night Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist” in Rome. The ANF was patterned after the “Adoracion Nocturna Española” in Spain, thus, its Spanish sounding name.

The adoration at night follows Christ’s nocturnal prayers (Mk 6:35,45; Lk 6:12). It also considered that the vigils be held at the dark hours of time when most sins are committed. Moreover, it is at night that a serene atmosphere, free from noise, would be conducive to prayers and vigil of adoration.

The first ANF “turno” (or chapter) was established on October 10, 1920 at the Church of St. Ignatius in Intramuros, Manila; while its first “turno” in Davao was established on August 18, 1956, at the San Pedro Cathedral Parish. Presently, there are 154 Sections having 1622 “turnos” nationwide; with 3 Sections in the Archdiocese of Davao having 21 “turnos”.

We can say that those who love Christ – loves the Eucharist for … “… in the most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained. …”(Catechism of the Catholic Church #1331).

For those with such ardor for love of Christ, would we not want to adore and spend time with Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament in a regular manner in this brotherhood? The Adoracion Nocturna Filipina has this as its prime activity. Feel free to join us in our manifested love for Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The Lord be Adored – Forever!

(Bro Kenneth Temew, ANF)