Hey there,
You may have heard about the 2019 Pew Research Center survey finding that two-thirds of Catholics don’t believe in transubstantiation … and that some don’t even know the church’s teaching on the matter.
It’s garnered a sizeable reaction. If you Google it, you’ll find 2.6 million articles (and growing). They vary from the proverbial Cathoic “sky is falling” to “the survey is flawed.”
Regardless of the accuracy of the survey or what the results mean … it seems like a perfect time for Genuflect to take a deep dive into the subject.
I’ve always been a believer, but it was great to get this refresher since I hadn’t really taken a look at it in years.
Before we get into it though, enjoy this beautiful Gregorian chant I came across: “Pange Lingua Gloriosi” written by the great St. Thomas Aquinas. The English translation is below.
Sing, my tongue, the Savior’s glory,
of His flesh the mystery sing;
of the Blood, all price exceeding,
shed by our immortal King,
destined, for the world’s redemption,
from a noble womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin
born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
then He closed in solemn order
wondrously His life of woe.
On the night of that Last Supper,
seated with His chosen band,
He the Pascal victim eating,
first fulfills the Law’s command;
then as Food to His Apostles
gives Himself with His own hand.
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
by His word to Flesh He turns;
wine into His Blood He changes;
what though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling,
This great Sacrament we hail,
Over ancient forms of worship
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith will tell us Christ is present,
When our human senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who made us free
And the Spirit, God proceeding
From them Each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
This week, Genuflect’s examination of transubstantiation begins with the Pew Research Center survey findings, then looks at what transubstantiation is, how to explain it to others … including kids, miracles involving the Real Presence, and Saints who died for the Eucharist.
If you are unaware of the church’s teachings, or are one of the non-believers, I pray this will enlighten you.
For those already a believer, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you further, as I did.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Survey Says …
A Pew Research Center survey from 2019 says that “just one-third of U.S. Catholics (31%) say they believe that ‘during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus.’” Here is an overview of all the findings.
Just One-third of U.S. Catholics Agree With Their Church That Eucharist is Body, Blood of Christ | Pew Research
Eucharist FAQ
Here the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has compiled resources explaining what the Eucharist is, where it’s mentioned in the Bible, and a whole lot of FAQs.
The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in The Sacrament of The Eucharist: Basic Q&As | USCCB
How to Explain Transubstantiation
Understanding the Real Presence is one thing. Explaining it to someone else is another thing. Father Cal Christiansen provides advice on how we can explain the doctrine of transubstantiation to non-Catholics in a way that they can understand.
How Can I Explain Transubstantiation? | Northwest Catholic
Teaching Kids Transubstantiation
Transubstantiation is tough enough for us to understand, but try explaining it to yur kids. Lacy with Catholic Icing offers an object lesson she uses with her own kids.
Teach Kids About Transubstantiation – An Object Lesson | Catholic Icing
Eucharistic Miracles
Did you know there are Eucharistic miracles that provide physical evidence of the Real Presence? The church has approved them, though we’re not obligated to believe them. Here are five of those miracles.
5 Extraordinary Eucharistic Miracles That Left Physical Evidence (With Pictures!) | ChurchPOP
St. Anthony Proved The Real Presence
Have you heard the one about the mule who bowed down before the Holy Eucharist? It may sound like a joke, but it’s not. And thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua and a mule, many heretics were converted to Catholicism that day. You gotta check this one out!
When a Mule Adored The Eucharist: How St. Anthony of Padua Proved Christ’s Real Presence to a Heretic | ChurchPOP
Those Who Died For The Eucharist
Martyrs are those who died for their Catholic beliefs. But there are also some who gave their life for the Real Presence. Here are 9 inspiring stories ranging from as recently as 2019 to all the way back in 575.
They Died For The Eucharist. Would You? | Aleteia
How to Not Receive The Eucharist
There are plenty of rules and regulations around how to receive the Holy Eucharist. We focus less on how to not receive the Eucharist. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Not Receive The Eucharist | Crisis Magazine
The Sacrament of Communion
Last May we covered Communion during our look at the seven sacraments. Here is a look back at that overview of this important sacrament.
Joining With Christ in The Sacrament of Communion | Genuflect
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Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free Eucharistic inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers.
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