APRIL

The Holy Eucharist

Every April, the Church invites us to deepen our love for the Holy Eucharist. It's more than a symbol; it's the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, our "Bread from Heaven." Discover ways to honor this great mystery, from attending daily Mass to spending a quiet, powerful hour in Eucharistic Adoration.

The Source and Summit of Our Faith

Encountering the Real Presence of Christ

Let us dedicate this month in the deepening of our awe and love for the Most Blessed Sacrament—the Holy Eucharist. This devotion is special because its object is not just a saint or a pious practice, but Jesus Christ Himself, truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine.

The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). It is the center of our faith, the heart of the Mass, and the most intimate gift God has ever given us: Himself.

The Gift of the Real Presence

When we speak of the Eucharist, we use the term "Real Presence." This is not a symbol; it is a reality. At the Last Supper, Jesus did not say, "This represents my body." He said, "This is my body" (Matthew 26:26). He is the "living bread which came down from heaven," and He promised us, "he who eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51).

In the Eucharist, Jesus fulfills His promise to be with us "always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). He remains with us in the tabernacles of our churches, waiting for us to visit Him, to adore Him, and to receive Him as our spiritual food.

“For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” (CCC 1324).

How to Honor the Eucharist This Month

This devotion is a call to draw closer to the heart of Christ, truly present on our altar. Here are a few ways to grow in your love for this great mystery:

Visit the Blessed Sacrament

Make a special effort to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. Even just 15 minutes of quiet prayer before the tabernacle or during Adoration can be a source of immense peace and grace.

Attend Daily Mass

If your schedule permits, consider attending one extra daily Mass during the week. This is a beautiful way to center your day on Christ.

Pray an Act of Spiritual Communion

If you are unable to receive the Eucharist physically, you can unite your heart to Him by praying an Act of Spiritual Communion.

Practice Reverence

Renew your commitment to reverence in the church. Genuflect mindfully toward the tabernacle, maintain a prayerful silence, and prepare your heart to receive Him worthily at Mass.

 

Communion Prayers

Anima Christi

Prayer of St. Ignatius

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Your wounds, hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from You. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come unto You, that with Your Saints I may praise You, forever and ever. Amen.

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

A Closing Thought

The Eucharist is the greatest gift of love Jesus left His Church. It is not a thing, but a Person. This April, let us respond to His love with our time, our attention, and our adoration.

A Closing Thought

The Eucharist is the greatest gift of love Jesus left His Church. It is not a thing, but a Person. This April, let us respond to His love with our time, our attention, and our adoration.