"Won't you spend one hour with Me?" (Matthew 26:40).

Fifteen years ago on November 1st, 1990, this question was asked of the parishioners of the Sudbury Region, and they responded overwhelmingly to the Lord's invitation. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, people from all sectors of our Diocese come to pray before The Blessed Sacrament, placing their petitions at the foot of the altar; giving praise and thanksgiving for prayers answered for themselves, their families, our priests and bishops, members of our parishes, for the needs of the people of this diocese and around the world.

Over these fifteen years, it is estimated that over 250,000 hours of prayer have been offered in this special chapel built off the main entrance to Our Lady of Hope Church. The Perpetual Adoration Chapel became an "oasis" of peace in this region, where one could sit quietly in prayer before Jesus in The Blessed Sacrament.

On Tuesday, November 1st, 2005, Our Lady of Hope Church was filled to capacity with parishioners from the Sudbury Region who came to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for fifteen (15) years since the opening of this special chapel. Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe, Celebrant and homilist of the inaugural Mass November 1st, 1990. and who blessed the chapel at that time, was again with us as Celebrant and homilist for this Mass of Thanksgiving.

Before Mass began, the Rosary was prayed by the congregation. Msgr. Raymond Farrell then gave a brief summary of the history of the chapel and its early years. He stated that the Lord had a plan and through much prayer and discernment, the plan came to fruition. He thanked Bishop Plouffe for his wonderful support of the chapel over the years, and for his pastoral wisdom in saying "yes" to its formation.

Several priests joined our Bishop in the celebration - Fr. Myles Sharpe, Fr. André Tremblay, Fr. Larry Rymes and Msgr. Raymond Farrell, as well as Vince Fiore, a seminarian appointed to Our Lady of Hope Church for his pastoral year.

Many of those taking part in the liturgy for the special Mass of Thanksgiving were instrumental in discerning the Lord's will for this chapel, or served as a member of the Co-ordinating Team administering the chapel over these past fifteen years.

The joyful celebration concluded with a reception held in the Marian and St. Anne's Rooms, hosted by members of the little servants of Christ The King prayer community.

Praise and thanksgiving to God for His great love for each one of us, and for allowing us the privilege of adoring Him in The Blessed Sacrament in the beautiful Perpetual Adoration Chapel.