A ‘moment of heaven’: Forty Hours Adoration at the Brompton Oratory 

On Tuesday I went to Heaven. I go there once a year.

The opening night on 12 March of the Brompton Oratory’s annual Forty Hours Adoration culminates with the placing of the Monstrance enshrining the Blessed Sacrament upon His throne above the High Altar.

There, Our Blessed Lord, our King, showers down upon us His love – total love and true peace for those who come to visit Him.

It was in fact about forty years ago when, during my first attendance at High Mass at the Brompton Oratory, the priest suddenly announced: “This week we will have forty hours, that is forty whole hours of Adoration, and I know that you will want to be there.” 

I found myself nodding in agreement. I have rarely missed the event since that special moment.

The Oratory’s Forty Hours Adoration is held every year on the Tuesday after Laetare Sunday. Upon entering the church on the evening of this Tuesday, the scene was set: the Altar was prepared with beautiful flowers on either side of the Tabernacle.

The picture behind the Altar was hidden by a deep red veil. More than a hundred unlit candles were beautifully arranged in tiers ascending to the throne where Our Lord was to be placed at the end of the Mass.

The bell rang and the superb choir began the chant as the priests, robed in magnificent vestments, and servers processed to the Altar at the start of the Mass.

As the Mass unfolds the spirit is lifted by the solemnity and stirring rendition of the music: this year Mozart’s Colloredo Mass.

During the early part of the Mass the candles are lit, the last 30 or so being close to the throne above the Altar.

After Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the Monstrance and the Brothers of the Little Oratory bring the canopy to the centre of the aisle, ready for the priest to bring Our Blessed Lord around the church in procession. 

He is joined by two priests flanking him on either side, along with all the other priests, servers and the choir. The thurible is swung and incense offered as the procession makes it’s way through the church. 

As Our Lord approached, my eyes filled with tears: Here is my King coming so close!

The choir sings the Lauda Sion and then the Pange Lingua as the procession stops at the foot of the Altar.

The canopy is taken away and the Blessed Sacrament is taken high up above the Altar to His throne. A red curtain is pulled across behind the Monstrance and there, in a blaze of light, Our Lord is ready to pour out His love and graces and to receive the adoration and prayers of His people. 

Total silence. Not a word or whisper can be heard.

That moment is Heaven. All trials and worries, fears and sorrows melt in the presence of the Sacred Heart; He really loves us. At moments like this, it is, even though brief, worth the wait of the whole preceding year.

The Forty Hours Adoration closes on Thursday night with Solemn Benediction. And each year I find myself asking the  question: “Why have I been so blessed to be here?”

It is possibly one of the best kept secrets in London and it is there for everyone.

Photo: Forty Hours of Adoration at the Brompton Oratory.

Josephine Scott is a London-based parishioner and friend of the Catholic Herald.

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