The Forty Hours’ Devotion originated in Milan in 1534. The Blessed Sacrament was displayed on the altar continually for 40 hours during a time of calamity and danger. The faithful were encouraged to come and take turns praying for an hour. The devotion soon spread to other parts of Italy, and in 1551, Saint Philip Neri introduced the practice to Rome. The 40 Hours devotion combines many important features in Catholic Worship. At the center is the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by an abundance of candles and flowers elevated and set upon the altar, encased in a vessel of gold called a monstrance. The faithful come and keep vigil in silent prayer before Our Lord in the monstrance. Rich sacred music lifts up the mind and heart to God, accompanying the opening and closing hour of this devotion. Unfortunately, the lack of familiarity with exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is not uncommon these days.. In the late '60's for whatever reason, this beautiful ritual disappeared from ordinary practice in many parishes. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~Philippians 4:8   All are invited to take part in this devotion, the devout and those who are still seeking. Come keep forty hours watch with the Lord. Exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is not only a very old devotion in our Church, but one that highlights the fundamental mystery of the Holy Eucharist that our Lord is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament. Since the Eucharistic mystery was instituted out of love, and makes Christ sacramentally present, it is worthy of thanksgiving and worship. And this worship must be prominent in all our encounters with the Blessed Sacrament. The Church always recommends various forms of Eucharistic devotion: personal prayer and periods of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, exposition and benediction, Forty Hours devotion, Eucharistic processions, Eucharistic Congresses and a special observance of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. All of these devotions, which focus on the Blessed Sacrament, aid in out spiritual union with our Lord. As Jesus said, "I Myself am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in Me shall ever thirst" John 6:35