The 2008 Election Eve Adoration Vigil at Assumption Grotto in Detroit had greater turnout than I expected. For the 7:00pm Mass which was concelebrated, I would estimate that there were roughly 200-250 people. Normally, the weekday evening Mass will net about 40-50 people. It was great to see so many people and I'm sure God appreciated the diffiulties some had in getting there on a work/school night. This is especially true considering that we are a commuter parish. And, there were so many kids and young people there for that Mass. People travel great distances for the Grotto experience. I know many wanted to be with us and couldn't be. There's no doubt in my mind that their prayers were joined with ours wherever they were.I fully expected that by 11:00 or Midnight, we would see numbers taper off down to about one handful of people. Boy, was I wrong about that. The low of the night was about 25 at 3:00am, with up to 40+ in attendance through 11:30pm.
Quite a few people remained with Our Lord all night - perhaps 10-12, with only a few short coffee breaks (I think I made 4 or 5 pots in the vestibule).
I never did take any more pics after the Mass.
I felt somewhat sad after Benediction was done around 6:25am, watching Our Lord being reposed back into the Tabernacle. At the same time, I was glad that we would soon be able to receive Holy Communion at the 6:30am Mass.
I know a lot of stuff happened out there. Tell me about the prayer vigils and events at your parish for the election. Drop a note in the combox. But, it may take a while for me to post it. I just voted a short time ago and I'm heading into bed for a couple hours before take my Mom in for bloodwork.
EDIT: Who needs sleep? I will continue to update this as I find a few minutes.
Ok - here are some late breaking headlines:
- ARCHBISHOP BURKE TALKS TO INSIDE THE VATICAN ON EVE OF ELECTION
- American Papist, Tom Peters, has an open thread, and many late breaking news stories of interest to Catholics.
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!