The Eucharist is the summit of our faith, in which the entire story of our salvation is made real in a miraculous and powerful way. The Roman Missal calls the Holy Eucharist the “Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received; the memory of His Passion is renewed; the mind is filled with grace; and a pledge of future glory is given unto us.”
Yet how often do we have a moment to reflect on this priceless gift? Even in Mass we can become distracted, and what is miraculous and precious becomes routine. The National Eucharistic Revival can be such an opportunity for reflection and for deepening our love for what God has given us – His Son, Jesus, who we receive into our hearts. During this time, we can make a point to focus on the Eucharist – in the Mass, in our reading, in our faith formation classes, and in the quiet of our own hearts.
The Eucharist and the Mass
At every Mass we are witnesses to a miracle. The Eucharist is not a symbol of Our Lord; the bread and wine actually become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. At the altar, He truly comes to us, again and again, in His real presence.
Christ Himself instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper as a “memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us” (“Sacrosanctum Concilium,” 47).
The Eucharist calls us to memorialize Christ’s passion and death on the cross, the sacrifice in which He won for us our salvation and eternity with the Father. It also is a tremendous sign of our unity as believers. We call it Holy Communion because when we approach the altar, we are acknowledging our unity with Christ, His Church, and one another.
Yet these words can only partially express a mystery that is beyond words: “If you understood Him, it would not be God,” writes St. Augustine. So, too, with the Eucharist. During the National Eucharistic Revival, we can plumb this mystery more and more deeply.
The Church asks all of us to examine our consciences to make sure we are truly prepared to receive Jesus: Are we in a “state of grace,” that is, not aware of any unconfessed grave sin? If not, then we should celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation first. Have we observed the one-hour fast from food and drink (except for water and medicine) before receiving Our Lord? Do we believe in the Real Presence; do we believe that Christ is present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity?
Ways to celebrate the Eucharistic Revival
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Churches regularly offer Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. During Exposition, Catholics spend time praying and worshiping the Lord in the Eucharist while the Host is exposed on the altar.
- At Mass: When we recognize that Jesus Himself is present in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to realize that participation every week at Mass is more than an obligation – it is a privilege. When you are in the presence of the Consecrated Host, pray with heartfelt sincerity, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and my soul shall healed.” With St. Thomas, who touched the wounds of the Lord, simply say, “My Lord and my God.”
- Make a spiritual communion: When we desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist but are unable to do so, we may make what is called a “spiritual communion.” Wherever we may be, we need only ask the Lord to come into our hearts and renew His life within us. We can then spend a few moments in prayer and praise, and then resolve to receive Communion as soon as possible.
- Before the tabernacle: Jesus is present in the Host reserved in the tabernacle. We can take time out regularly to visit a church and talk to Him there. Make it a “Holy Hour.”
- In an adoration chapel: Many churches provide a place where the Blessed Sacrament remains exposed for prayer and adoration every day – sometimes even around the clock (the latter is known as “perpetual adoration”). This arrangement provides an excellent and ongoing opportunity to draw close to Jesus in His Eucharistic presence outside Mass. If possible, sign up for a regular time to visit the church or chapel.
- Cultivating an attitude of gratitude: Finally, keep in mind that the word “Eucharist” literally means “thanksgiving.” In Holy Communion, as Jesus gives Himself to us, we give ourselves to Him as well in gratitude. His sacrifice on the cross – presented on the altar – takes away the sins of the world and makes possible for us a life of intimate union with God.
— OSV News
Learn more
At www.eucharisticrevival.org: Find Church resources, videos, educational materials, prayers and more at the National Eucharistic Revival movement’s website – designed to restore understanding and devotion to the Eucharist
The Rosary for Peace was first published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops following the attacks on 9/11. Pope Francis has called on all Catholics to pray for peace for Ukraine:
SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
The First Decade: Meditate on the Mystery of the Agony in the Garden
Our Father...
“My heart is nearly broken with sorrow; stay here and keep watch with me.” (Monday of Holy Week, Morning Prayer, Antiphon I)
Hail Mary...
“Help us to bear witness by following Christ’s example of suffering.” (Passion Sunday, Evening Prayer I, Prayer)
Hail Mary...
“Here I am, Lord God, I come to do your will.” (Psalm 40:7-8) (Passion Sunday, Office of Readings, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“You have redeemed us with your precious blood; hear the prayer of your servants and come to our help.” (Monday of Holy Week, Office of Readings, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“My soul is in anguish, my heart is in torment.” (Good Friday, Evening Prayer, Antiphon 2)
Hail Mary...
“Father, if this cup may not pass, but I must drink it, then your will be done.”(Matthew 26:42) (Passion Sunday, Communion Rite)
Hail Mary...
“Through her heart, his sorrow sharing/ All his bitter anguish bearing.” (Our Lady of Sorrows, Sequence)
Hail Mary...
“Be glad to share in the sufferings of Christ! When he comes in glory, you will be filled with joy.” (1 Peter 4:13) (Our Lady of Sorrows, Communion Antiphon)
Hail Mary...
“Grant that we may bring love and comfort to our brothers and sisters in distress.” (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross I, Collect)
Hail Mary...
“For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed in a garden.” (Holy Saturday, Office of Readings, from an ancient homily on Holy Saturday)
Hail Mary...
Glory be...
The Second Decade: Meditate on the Mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar
Our Father...
“Now you come to scourge me and lead me to the cross.” (Passion Sunday, Evening Prayer I, Antiphon I)
Hail Mary...
“Christ was scourged and treated with contempt, but God’s right hand has raised him up.” (Passion Sunday, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon I)
Hail Mary...
“On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back.” (Holy Saturday, Office of Readings, From an ancient homily on Holy Saturday)
Hail Mary...
“Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,/ she beheld her tender Child,/ all with bloody scourges rent.” (Our Lady of Sorrows, Sequence)
Hail Mary...
“Though he was sinless, he suffered willingly for sinners.” (Passion Sunday, Preface)
Hail Mary...
“He offered himself as a victim for our deliverance.” (Holy Eucharist, Preface I)
Hail Mary...
“By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.” (Passion Sunday, Morning Prayer, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“The Father of mercies has given us an example of unselfish love in the sufferings of his only Son.” (Passion Sunday, Prayer of the People)
Hail Mary...
“He humbled himself for our sakes; may you follow his example.” (Passion Sunday, Prayer of the People)
Hail Mary...
“I fill out in my flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his Body, which is the Church.” (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross I, Communion Antiphon)
Hail Mary...
Glory be...
The Third Decade: Meditate on the Mystery of the Crowning with Thorns
Our Father...
“The head that once was crown’d with thorns/ Is crown’d with glory now.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Office of Readings, Hymn)
Hail Mary...
“Christ is the King of all creation.” (Christ the King, Prayer after Communion)
Hail Mary...
“Have mercy on us for whose sake you endured so much.” (Monday of Holy Week, Office of Readings, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“You will rule over all.” (Christ the King, Evening Prayer I, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“You choose the weak and make them strong in bearing witness to you.” (Preface of Martyrs)
Hail Mary...
“You have entered on the way that the Lord has graciously opened up for you, until you receive the crown of glory.” (Common of Several Martyrs, Office of Readings, From a letter by St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr)
Hail Mary...
“I have kept the faith; now a crown of holiness awaits me.” (Common of One Martyr, Office of Readings, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.” (Monday of Holy Week, Morning Prayer, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“The Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Christ the King, Midmorning Prayer, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“Come let us worship Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.” (Christ the King, Invitatory)
Hail Mary...
Glory be...
The Fourth Decade: Meditate on the Mystery of the Carrying of the Cross
Our Father...
“Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy.” (Wednesday of Holy Week, Collect)
Hail Mary...
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Common of One Martyr, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon 1)
Hail Mary...
“Through the cross you brought joy to the world.” (Good Friday, Song at the Veneration of the Cross)
Hail Mary...
“Lord, by the suffering of Christ your Son you have saved us all from death.” (Good Friday, Prayer)
Hail Mary...
“See the cross of the Lord; let all his enemies flee.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Office of Readings, Antiphon 1)
Hail Mary...
“If we share fully in the sufferings of Christ, through Christ we shall know the fullness of his consolation.” (Common of One Martyr, Evening Prayer I, Antiphon 3)
Hail Mary...
“You suffered for us; have mercy on us.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Evening Prayer II, Antiphon 2)
Hail Mary...
“Grant that by carrying our cross each day, we may come to share in his Resurrection.” (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross II, Prayer after Communion)
Hail Mary...
“Though innocent, he accepted death to save the guilty.” (Passion Sunday, Preface)
Hail Mary...
“Lord, through your cross bring us to the glory of your kingdom.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Evening Prayer I, Intercessions)
Hail Mary...
Glory be...
The Fifth Decade: Meditate on the Mystery of the Crucifixion
Our Father...
“We must glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Evening Prayer I, Antiphon 3)
Hail Mary...
“Christ our Savior, on the cross you embraced all time with your outstretched arms.” (Good Friday, Morning Prayer, Intercessions)
Hail Mary...
“O Christ, you humbled yourself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Evening Prayer I, Intercessions)
Hail Mary...
“The death of your Son gives us hope and strengthens our faith.” (Passion Sunday, Prayer after Communion)
Hail Mary...
“We worship you, O Christ, and we praise you; because by your cross you have redeemed the world.” (Good Friday, Midmorning Prayer, Responsory)
Hail Mary...
“Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.” (Handbook of Indulgences, Pious Invocation)
Hail Mary...
“Through his cross, Christ our peace has reconciled us to God.” (Our Lady of Sorrows, Evening Prayer, Antiphon I)
Hail Mary...
“At the cross with motherly love, she embraces her scattered children, reunited through the death of Christ.” (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross I, Preface)
Hail Mary...
“Raise us up to share in the triumph of your cross.” (Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Morning Prayer, Intercessions)
Hail Mary...
“Christ our life, by your death on the cross you destroyed the power of evil and death.” (Good Friday, Morning Prayer, Intercessions)
Hail Mary...
Glory be...
— Catholic News Service