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in absentia seemed acceptable on earth as well as it is in Heaven, when unable to do so, such as
from “poor health.” One night, during the convent’s “nocturnal adoration,” Sr. Faustina simply
“united with the Sisters who were at Adoration,” just before bedtime. Then unexpectedly,
“between four and five o’clock,” Sr. Faustina was roused by an interior voice that directed her
“to join those who were adoring at that time” in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Then the same
interior voice also informed her that “among them a soul…was praying for (her).”
(4.4) The Graces from the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (CCC, 1418) 314
(Diary, # 147): Sr. Faustina wrote in her Diary that a soul gains immeasurable blessings,
especially for its own spiritual good, when spending time in the Adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament. It is the soul’s quiet prayerful time of “interior recollection” in God’s Real Presence.
It is a time to know God more deeply. It is also a time for the soul to know itself better in relation
to God and others. It is a time, as well, to be open to God’s enlightenment to the utmost. During
Adoration, interior and exterior sufferings, as well as temptations could also take place. But, by
the grace of Jesus’ powerful Presence, as well as the soul’s prayerful patience, strength, and
perseverance; these will pass. Sr. Faustina wrote in her Diary:
I recall that I have received most light during Adoration which I made lying
prostrate before the Blessed Sacrament for half an hour every day throughout
Lent. During that time, I came to know God and myself more profoundly. And yet
… I encountered many obstacles to praying in such a way. Let the soul be aware
that, in order to pray and persevere in prayer, one must arm oneself with patience
and cope bravely with exterior and interior difficulties. The interior difficulties
are discouragement, dryness, heaviness of spirit and temptations. The exterior
difficulties are human respect and time. One must observe the time set apart for
prayer… because, when I did not pray at the time assigned for prayer, later on I
could not do it because of my duties; or if I did manage to do so, this was only
with great difficulty, because my thoughts kept wandering off to my duties…
(But) when my soul was more deeply immersed in God…I derived greater fruit
from prayer, and God’s presence accompanied me during the day, and at work…
(Diary, # 147).
314
Ibid., Faustina, Diary, # 147.
189