Sacrament of Adoration

“We pray in the shadows that we may summon the light.” Preghiamo nell'ombra per evocare la luce.

Execution

Before Going to Worship

Adorati (devout believers) often make numerous preparations before entering a temple, such as bathing themselves and dressing in modest clothing. Most temples discourage the wearing of armor into a temple or bringing weapons other than the poignard sacré, the ceremonial dagger.

Entering the Temple

Once arriving at the temple, Adorati often stop at its entrance to pray in either kneeling on one knee or with their hands above their heads. Many temples also have an outdoor flagpole bearing the star-and-pentagram banner, where worshipers can pray and clear their heads of negative thoughts. Before entering the temple, worshipers are usually required to remove their shoes as a sign of respect to the Pentatheon.

Upon entering a temple, Adorati often see a small bell by the door that they traditionally ring in order to announce themselves to the gods. It’s then customary for worshipers to visit each of the shrines within the temple and to offer a flower in honor of each represented god. Worshipers then customarily walk clockwise around the temple’s primary shrine and clear their heads of non-religious thoughts. At each of the five shrines, Adorati ritually use the small raised stone on the center of each shrine to hone their poignard sacré, making one sharpening pass on each side of the blade at each shrine in turn. This symbolizes how the Pentatheon hone our spirits to be ready to face the challenges of life.

Afterward, Adorati place an offering (often a coin or flowers) at the shrine to honor the deity, then enter the Passagio Dei for the worship service known as Adoration.

Adoration

“We pray in the shadows that we may summon the light.” Preghiamo nell'ombra per evocare la luce. During Adoration, devotees sit on reed mats before the temple’s main shrine and places their poignard sacré on the ground in front of them while a priest chants in Lalange and makes symbolic hand gestures that are intended to attract the notice of the gods. The priest then rings a bell and places offerings for the gods on the central altar. These offerings usually consist of food and holy ash made from burning sacred incense.

The priest then waves a lamp over the altar while bells ring. This symbolizes Aruna sending the sun arcing through the sky again and again, and it is the time when the deities send their power into the shrine. The worshipers then pray in a prostrate position toward the shrine.

Adoration Sacraments

The priest then holds the lamp in front of each Adorateur, who then traditionally wave their hands across its flame three times. The devotee then softly touches their eyes in a gesture meant to draw blessings into themselves. A priest, usually a junior clergyman, offers each devotee sandalwood paste and red powder, which are then applied in a small dot at the outside corner of each eye, applied with the ring finger.

After Adoration

When Adoration is finished, devotees participate in related activities while at the temple. Worshipers may sing hymns to themselves or with a group. Some may choose to meditate or mentally repeat a mantra while counting prayer beads, an act known as japa. It’s also common practice for noble or wealthy Adorati to receive an individualized Adoration service, known as Archana, which can be obtained through a modest fee and offering. As the final act as Adorati leave the temple, they dip the blade of their poignard sacré into a basin of holy oil and wiping off the excess on a white cloth. They then return the poignard to its sheath, collect their boots or shoes from the shoe room, and leave the temple.

Components and tools

• Flagpole with star-and-pentagram banner
• Bell near door
• Flower offering
• Poignard sacré
• Five Shrines with honing stone on each
• Pastore hand bell
• Central shrine
• Reed mats
• Food and holy ash offerings
• Oil lamp
• Sandalwood paste
• Red powder
• Holy oil
• White cloth

Participants

• Pastore. Leads the Adoration.
• Promesse/Junior Pastore. Assist with the lamp and paste.
• Adorati. The worshippers.

Observance

Adorations are held daily at most churches. The faithful will attend at least once per five days.