Thirty-four years of perpetual Eucharistic Adoration was celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Homewood on Aug. 15. The occasion began with a procession as Father Kevin Bazzel, pastor, carried the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament to the church from the Chapel of Our Savior. Members of the Knights of Columbus were honor guards. In the church, adoration and benediction were followed by the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass celebrated by Father Bazzel. He told the congregation that adoration is “a tremendous blessing” not only for the parish but for the greater Birmingham community. He thanked the committed adorers and urged others to consider joining the ministry.

After Mass, committed adorers, substitutes, and their families enjoyed a catered appreciation dinner and festive cake. 

In 1981, Pope John Paul II established perpetual eucharistic adoration at St. Peter’s Basilica and advocated for parishes to do the same. 

Perpetual adoration at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish was established on the feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15, 1992, under the guidance of Msgr. Martin M. Muller, who is now pastor emeritus, and by two parishioners, the late Mary Claire Brouillette and the late Ida Wilker.