There is much emphasis on the Eucharist these days, and one wonders if the pandemic was the catalyst.
As you know from past Blogs, last year and this, our Seattle Archbishop Etienne proclaimed a year of the Eucharist, which ended on Corpus Christi this year.
Recently, the new Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Patrick Kelly, emphasized reverence for the Eucharist at his installation.
In consecrating his administration of the Knights of Columbus to St. Joseph, Mr. Kelly pointed to the saint as the protector of Jesus, calling the Knights to do the same in reverencing and protecting the Eucharist.
“The example of St. Josephteaches us how to be Knights of the Eucharist. He was the guardian of the first tabernacle — beginning with Mary herself when she bore Christ in her womb, and then in the home where he and Mary lived with Jesus. As Knights, we too are called to have a special reverence for Christ’s real presence. “The more we dedicate ourselves to Christ in the Eucharist, the more we will be a sign of unity in an age of division and disbelief.”
Just last week, one of my favorite Archbishops, Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, praised a new “Eucharistic Revival” initiative of the U.S. Bishops that aims to foster deeper devotion to the Eucharist.
“It’s all intended to bring about a real revival in our faith, our love, our devotion and our living out of the Eucharistic mystery.”
The U.S. bishops’ initiative, which will begin in the summer of 2022, aims to lead a “three year period of revival” nationwide, bringing the focus of Eucharistic revival to “any parish that desires it.”
More than ever our Church, our world needs the Eucharist and no one said it better than Pope (St.) John Paul II on World Youth Day, August 24, 1997 in Paris, France:
Rabbi, where are you staying?" Each day the Church responds: Christ is present in the Eucharist, in the sacrament of His death and resurrection. In and through the Eucharist, for the Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Love which conquers death. It is the Sacrament of the Covenant, pure Gift of Love for the reconciliation of all humanity. It is the gift of the Real Presence of Jesus The Redeemer, in the bread which is His Body given up for us, in the wine which is His Blood poured out for all.
Thanks to the Eucharist, constantly renewed among all peoples of the world, Christ continues to build His church: He brings us together in praise and thanksgiving for salvation, in the communion which only infinite love can forge. Our worldwide gathering now takes on its fullest meaning, through the celebration of the Mass. Dear young friends, may your presence here mean a true commitment in faith!
For Christ is now answering your own question and the questions of all those who seek the Living God. He answers by offering an invitation: This is My Body, take It and eat. To the Father He entrusts His supreme desire: that all those whom He loves may be one in the same communion.”
"
