Convention Insider

In God’s Presence

As the hectic preparations take place throughout the convention hotel, there is one place of peace and contemplation amid the swirl of activity. On Sunday morning, the adoration chapel, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed, was opened for worshipers seeking time with the Lord.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the convention, the chapel will be available in a meeting room converted into a holy space. The Blessed Sacrament is held in a large, ornate silver monstrance mounted on a tabernacle that has carved images of the Holy Family. A rotating honor guard of Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia is stationed on either side. Off to the side, placed for veneration, is an image of Divine Mercy.

Dozens of Sir Knights from Calvert Province have volunteered for the honor guard, as well as an assembly from western New Jersey, said George Koch, Pennsylvania past state deputy and master of the Eastern portion of Calvert Province, which includes Philadelphia.

“I tell the men, this is not a duty, it’s a privilege, it’s an honor,” Koch said. “You’re asked to stand guard for 15 to 30 minutes, and you’re standing with Christ during that time. This is a time for prayer and contemplation. Think who you are, where you’ve been in life and where you’re going. How often do you have that opportunity? On top of that, you are Christ’s protector, his soldier.”