Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a devotional ceremony which has been deeply cherished by the faithful for centuries. On the Institute's Web sites, one often comes across references to Benediction (or Salut, and Segen, in French and German, respectively), because this ceremony is often celebrated in our Motherhouse in Gricigliano and all apostolates many times throughout the year.

The dignified beauty and solemnity are further amplified when Benediction is celebrated by a prince of the Church. St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis was the setting for such a Benediction at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 31, when His Eminence, Raymond Cardinal Burke visited the Oratory to celebrate Benediction—to praise and adore Our Blessed Lord—with the faithful.

Filled with more than 500 lay people and clergy, many of whom took time off their regular schedule in order to attend, the Oratory waited quietly for the solemn appearance of the Cardinal. With the majestic announcement of the organ, the Cardinal processed into the church, accompanied by Victoria's "Ecce Sacredos Magnus."

Upon reaching the High Altar, Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament began solemnly with "Homo Quidam," composed by Cardinal Bartolucci  (who was made a Cardinal recently) and "Alma Redemptoris Mater" by Palestrina. The rest of the Benediction ceremony unfolded with equal ceremonial beauty. Throughout, the choirs of the Oratory sang ancient hymns, in words composed by St. Thomas Aquinas among others, and set to sublime melodies which lifted each heart up in prayer.

Cardinal Burke is appreciated by the faithful at the Oratory not only as a beloved Cardinal who was once the shepherd of the people in St. Louis, but also as a fatherly figure whose vision had been the crucial impetus for the canonical erection of St. Francis de Sales Oratory. His return visit to the Oratory was a joyous and inspirational occasion for many individuals and families.

Following the Benediction ceremony in the church, the Cardinal made time to visit with the faithful at a reception in the Oratory Hall, prepared by the faithful to welcome him and to deliver their good wishes and promises of prayers.

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest expresses our gratitude to Cardinal Burke for his continued friendship fatherly care for the Institute, and in particular, for the faithful at St. Francis de Sales on this memorable occasion. With all our faithful, we offer our fervent prayers for his fruitful ministry in the Church.