The four Sundays of Eucharistic Adoration during Advent were a great success (and we hope to repeat this in Lent). Here is the testimony of one parishioner for whom it was a whole new experience. Over to you, Ify.

I was sitting on the bus, heading towards the church, and I found I had this big, ridiculous grin on my face that I couldn't control. What was it doing there? Let me tell you.

I had heard of Eucharistic Adoration before but hadn't actually been to one. I was told by a priest in Nigeria whilst I was on holiday there a few months ago (Adoration is very big in Nigeria) that it was imperative I find a church that celebrated Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. I told him it was impossible. Everyone is busy here, no one has the time and the churches don't do it any more. Even if i did find one the time would not be convenient for me as I start work at 8am and finish at 6pm. His reply: it is very important you spend time with God, so make the time and find a church. There's no excuse. So here I was riding on the bus heading toward my first Adoration.

 I know I was told you could stay as long as you wanted but I thought the idea of having a half hour time slot made it really exciting and urgent. I imagined I was one of the 5,000, struggling for a space to see and a chance to listen to our Lord despite being stuck at the back of the crowd. And then, suddenly, I was handed a ticket that gave me a chance to see and speak to Jesus personally. I couldn't wait as it felt slightly different to celebrating Mass. This felt personal.

 When I arrived, the first thing I said was, 'Father I know you want me to be honest, so here are all my moans and worries and here are all my future plans. My moans you can do whatever you want with them... it just feels comforting telling you what they are (like a child to its father). My future plans are very important, but what do you think? Please, feel free to scrap them and tell me what You prefer I do.

 Then we had a little chat... we smiled, then I frowned, and then we chatted some more and then I lit up and then I wondered...haaaaaaaaaaaa.

 I felt really good. I said my goodbyes to the Trinity, our blessed Mother, St. Jospeh, Padre Pio and the whole court of Heaven as it felt like they were all there as well listening.

I left feeling less burdened and very happy. And that grin? Yep, it was still there.