Since the Second Vatican Council, there is a strong emphasis on devotion to the Real Presence. Worship of the Eucharist is not limited to Mass and the reception of the Eucharist, but also as it is reserved on the altar. Adoration of the Holy Eucharist has been part of Catholic life and practice since the earliest centuries.

It is recorded that one of the first possible reservation of the Blessed Sacrament for adoration is found in a life of St. Basil the Great. Pope Gregory VII prepared the theological basis for adoration in the 11th century. He is instrumental in affirming that Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament. St. Francis of Assisi is credited for “Eucharistic Renaissance,” which spread from Umbria, to other parts of Italy. Pope Urban IV instituted the feast of Corpus Christi (The Body of Christ) in the bull Transiturus in 1264. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote text for the Mass and Office of the feast. These texts are known as the famous hymns Panis Angelicus, O Salutaris Hostia, Pangue Lingua and Tamtum Ergo, which are used at Benediction. St. Charles Borromeo promoted Eucharistic devotion and adoration. He also emphasized the importance of the Blessed Sacrament. He is the author of the practice of placing the tabernacle at a central, higher location behind the main altar. In the 8th century, Alphonsus Liguori encouraged adoration of the Blesses Sacrament. He wrote a book entitled, Visits To The Blessed Sacrament, in which he explained the practice of loving Jesus Christ. Friends who love each other visit each other regularly.

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