On May 10, the 90-minute adoration at St. Michael’s Cathedral included music by a choir of professional singers and the opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The cardinal told adorers that adoration will provide them with the hope to transform themselves into instruments of God’s grace in a society that can wear them down or absorb them.

Through adoration, an individual receives serenity and peace, Collins told The Catholic Register, giving one the energy to serve.

“I think that young people and old people and everyone really need this time of prayer and adoration because we’re in a very busy world and we rush around a lot without much purpose,” said Collins. “When we come before our Lord and spend time in adoration, we can focus on the centre of our life, which is our Lord, and that’s why I think people appreciate it.”

“Nowadays, we are so entrenched in a secular society that at times we do feel that we’re standing alone in that journey, and its a real hard fight, especially when you feel you’re fighting uphill,” said educator Kellie Holgate, 30, reflecting on Collins’ address.

Holgate attended St. Michael’s Cathedral for the first time for this young adult-focused adoration.

“I feel that it’s a great opportunity to bring Christ to young people and have that community,” said Holgate, who feels that sense of community is somewhat lacking in her hometown of Windsor, Ont. Holgate also feels there is a “constant battle” to “stand against the norms” of society.

“Cardinal Collins said that when we do take that time to be re-energized in front of the Blessed Sacrament, we gain growth and we gain a deeper understanding and a deeper love for our faith, and I think we are able to be those vessels and those lights to those that are maybe questioning which way to walk,” said Holgate.

Sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament makes her feel encompassed in God’s love.

Collins would like to see adoration happen across the archdiocese of Toronto and encourages Catholics to spend time, in prayer, before the tabernacle and Blessed Sacrament.

The cardinal also believes adorers appreciate the silence and the music, adding that the faithful can adore even without the more formal procedures or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

“I would encourage everyone, just when you find a Catholic church, you’re walking by, drop in and spend a few moments in prayer,” he said. “From there we go back out into our busy lives, so it’s... to come, to adore, to go, to serve.”