Mount Carmel Day, 13 Hours of Adoration.

13 hours of adoration is usually organized to foster a deeper spiritual connection with God and to pray for various intentions, both personal and communal. The 13 hours of adoration in the Catholic Church is a powerful spiritual practice that allows individuals and communities to encounter Christ in a profound way through prayer, silence, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and invites believers to deepen their commitment to faith and prayer. The Spiritual Benefits of 13 hours of adoration is

·     Deepening Faith: Spending extended time in adoration can deepen one’s faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

·     Spiritual Healing: Many participants experience spiritual healing and consolation during adoration.

·     Community Unity: It fosters a sense of community and solidarity among participants who come together in prayer.

St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara instituted the practice of 13 hours of adoration in response to a cholera epidemic that struck Kerala, India, in the 19th century. During this epidemic, St. Chavara and his followers sought divine intervention through prayer and fasting. It is said that through their prayers, the epidemic subsided, and this led St. Chavara to establish a special devotion of 13 hours of adoration as a form of thanksgiving and supplication.

The tradition of 13 hours of adoration initiated by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara continues to be observed in various CMI institutions and parishes, particularly in Kerala and other parts of India where the CMI congregation is active. It is considered not only a spiritual practice but also a cultural and communal expression of faith. The 13 hours of adoration instituted by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara reflects a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and a commitment to prayer as a means of seeking God's grace and mercy. It remains a cherished tradition within the CMI community and serves as a testament to St. Chavara's spiritual legacy in India.