Jesus is present to us in many ways, but only in the Holy Eucharist is He uniquely present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This is the “Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
The priest celebrating Mass is acting in the person of Christ. When he consecrates the bread and wine, it is transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the body and blood of Christ.
The transformed, or “transubstantiated,” bread and wine are not merely symbols. They continue to look like bread and wine but they are not; the substances change. They truly are the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery that the Church can never fully explain in words.
Sadly, many Catholics believe the bread and wine are merely symbols, and not actually Jesus’ Body and Blood, according to a nationwide survey.
During the Year of the Real Presence, parishes, schools and the Diocese will emphasize, catechize (teach), and promote the Catholic belief in the Real Presence.
