As the Catholic Church in the U.S. is embarking on a National Eucharistic Revival in an effort to foster a greater understanding and appreciation that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist Congress (the first in 83 years) in Indianapolis from July 17–21, there is good news. Perhaps the Holy Spirit at work?
A new study has found that 69% of Mass-going Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In 2019 Pew Research Center did a survey which found that only a third of Catholics believe in the true Presence. A most shocking result but the Catholic firm, Vinea Research, conducted a new survey in late 2022, using language different from Pew’s, produced a figure that more accurately represents how Catholics understand the Eucharist.
Of Catholics who “seldom” attend Mass, only 51% expressed belief in the Real Presence. 81% of Catholics who attend weekly and 92% who attend more than weekly said they believe. Even among Catholics who only attend a few times a year, nearly two-thirds said they believe in the Real Presence.(If they truly believe why do they not receive more often? I ued to tell the teens, if someone offered you $1,000 every Sunday, you would be there is a flash. So why not your God?)
Universal prayer for the Eucharistic Revival:
Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thank You for Your great love for us. Help us to know, love and serve You above all other things. Fill our hearts and minds with a deep knowledge and love of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Art: Kallan StoutSt. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Lake Charles, Louisianna
Acknowledging how so many people doubt or fail to recognize the
True Presence in the Eucharist, Kallan said she wanted this piece of art to
illustrate the work of His Presence beyond the bread.
“Endless graces are waiting for us in each Mass and each visit
to Adoration. What a gift we have in the Eucharist!”