I have been writing about the Eucharist a great deal for the last several articles, exploring how Jesus gives Himself to us completely. The God of the universe descends His throne in heaven and becomes one with us in a concrete and physical way. He becomes our food.
Jesus strengthens us through our reception of Him. I am a weak sinner. When I consume the Lord in Holy Communion, I become united to Him and am changed by this union—even if my senses do not detect the supernatural graces that strengthen me.
Jesus in the Eucharist gives us a foretaste of heaven. Each of us was created by God to live with Him forever in heaven. He did not intend for us to be alienated or separated from Him at all. Adam and Eve declined that intimacy and union with God. Thankfully, God never gives up on us. He constantly seeks us and invites us to join in union and intimacy with Him.
At the Last Supper, our Lord left us a priceless gift. He gives us His own Body and Blood in the Eucharist. He then fulfilled this gift by offering Himself on the cross.
Why is the Eucharist so important? It is Jesus giving Himself to us so we can be close to Him. The Eucharist is a who, not a what.
One of the practices that has evolved over the millennia is the practice of processing with Jesus in the Eucharist and adoring Him in churches, even outside of the celebration of the Mass. We are all called to go out and share our faith with others.
On Saturday, June 15 we can do just that! As part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, the Archdiocese of Mobile has organized a Eucharistic Procession and day of service. Find the details below (Any and all participation is welcomed). Use discretion for Mass attire, especially if participating in multiple events.
8:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception celebrated by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi
8:45 a.m. (or at conclusion of Mass) begin the Eucharistic Procession to St. Mary Parish
10:20 a.m. (approximately) arrive at St. Mary and time to cool down
10:30 a.m. Jarvis Williams will speak about the connection between the Eucharist and service
10:50 a.m. (approximately) Benediction and dismissal (shuttles will be available to take people back to the Cathedral to get their cars if necessary.
*After dismissal there is one service project which will require a few volunteers. A large number of seafarers travel through our port every year. We will be packing bags with: Catholic literature, socks, underwear, toiletries etc. We have the materials but need a few volunteers to stuff bags.
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at[email protected]For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us atmobilefaithformation.org