Eucharistic Revival & Reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus

Along with the rest of the United States, the Diocese of Owensboro will be participating in a three-year long nationwide Eucharistic Revival beginning on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 19, 2022. These three years provide us with an opportune moment to reflect on the great mystery of the Eucharist – what we believe about the sacrament and our personal response to Christ’s sacrifice. After a hiatus due to Covid, it is with great joy that, in the Diocese of Owensboro, we will return to the optional practice of the faithful receiving the Body of Christ on the tongue and the Blood of Christ from the chalice beginning on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022.

Our Lord gave the Church the great gift of the Holy Eucharist to feed us spiritually and give us the strength we need to follow Him faithfully. The bread and wine become His Body and Blood during the Mass. It is not just a symbol of Christ but, in a profound and holy transformation, the elements actually become the Lord’s Body and Blood. It is a central mystery of our faith, and what a great mystery this is! As Catholics, we have a tremendous treasure in our ability to physically receive Jesus Christ. We must respond with faith and reverence to this gift that Jesus has given us.

St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) once said “When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now.” The Holy Eucharist is the most profound witness of Christ’s never- ending love for his children. How can we respond to such an incredible gift of love except by our own response of love? When we love someone, we take extra special care to make sure we are treating them right. However, even in the most loving of relationships, common signs of love and respect can be slowly put to the wayside. This is often not due to a lack of love, but simply letting those small practices slip away with increased familiarity. This time of Eucharistic Revival provides us with the wonderful opportunity to renew our love for our Lord by remembering those simple practices we share as a Church that help us to treat the Blessed Sacrament with love and reverence.

How to Receive Holy Communion