Eucharistic Congress 2021: Your at-home guide

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“As I have loved you.”

“Como yo los he amado.”

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

— John 13:34 — Juan 13:34

Eucharistic Congress 2021 The Diocese of Charlotte’s 17th annual Eucharistic Congress may have been canceled, but you and your family can still use this time to learn more about the Eucharist — the source and summit of our Catholic faith. We hope you enjoy this special Eucharistic-themed supplement with details about livestreamed Masses with Bishop Jugis and pre-recorded speaker talks, as well as information about Eucharistic Adoration, the science behind Eucharistic miracles, and special content for kids.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 10, 2021 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’

— Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324, referring to Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), 11

‘How many of you say: I should like to see His face, His garments, His shoes. You do see Him, you touch Him, you eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment.’

— St. John Chrysostom

‘When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then.

When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now.’

— St. Teresa of Calcutta

‘In the Holy Eucharist we become one with God like food with the body.’

— St. Francis de Sales

Bishop Peter Jugis leads Benediction at the 2013 Eucharistic Congress. For the second consecutive year, the largescale in-person event has been canceled because of the pandemic.

Instead, the bishop will celebrate Mass streamed live from St. Patrick Cathedral for the people of the Diocese of Charlotte.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: Join Bishop Jugis for a votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, or 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19.

17th Eucharistic Congress shifts to online/parish-based program PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s 2021 Eucharistic Congress is shifting to an online and parish-based program over the weekend of Sept. 17-19 because of the worsening pandemic.

North Carolina public health officials reported that as of Sept. 8, 14,894 people have died from COVID-19 and 3,790 people remain hospitalized.

Approximately 61 percent of eligible North Carolinians have been fully vaccinated.

In a Sept. 4 message to clergy, volunteers and others who help to organize the annual diocesan event, Father Roger Arnsparger, chair of the Eucharistic Congress planning committee, noted the rising rates of infection as the reason for the decision to cancel the in-person event.

The annual Eucharistic Congress typically attracts 10,000 to 15,000 people to the Charlotte Convention Center.

The City of Charlotte, which owns the convention center, currently does not have a limit on mass gatherings that would prohibit the in-person event, but Eucharistic Congress organizers said the high risk of virus spread was of grave concern. In addition, safeguarding people’s health at a large indoor gathering would be difficult – even with efforts at enforcing the city’s indoor face covering mandate and implementing multi-layered health measures throughout the exhibit hall space.

This is the second year the in-person Eucharistic Congress has been canceled. The 16th annual event was also held online and in many parishes last year because of the

pandemic.

Father Arnsparger noted that parishes may look for ways to celebrate during the Eucharistic Congress weekend of Sept. 17-19, to foster unity and devotion to the Eucharist.

“Keeping in mind local public health guidance and exercising prudence, ideas from last year include leading a Holy Hour or outdoor Eucharistic Procession with your First Communicants, giving a talk, or sharing a written message on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,” he said.

As he did last year, Bishop Peter Jugis will offer a Votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, which will be streamed live from St. Patrick Cathedral on the diocese’s YouTube channel.

About the cover The cover features a depiction of the “The Last Supper” by Benedetto Caliari (circa second half of the 16th century). Bishop Peter Jugis chose this image to illustrate the theme of the 2021 Eucharistic Congress: “As I Have Loved You,” from John 13:34.

In St. John’s Gospel, what’s known as the “Book of Glory” begins with Chapter 13. In this chapter we are invited to understand the “Washing of the Feet,” the Last Supper/Holy Mass and the “New” Commandment to love with divine love.

After having washed their feet, Jesus tells His disciples: “I give

you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The in-person Eucharistic Congress has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are being encouraged to celebrate our devotion to the Eucharist locally in parishes and at home.

— Catholic News Herald

September 10, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com EUCHARISTIC

El Obispo Peter Jugis imparte la Bendición durante el 2018 Congreso Eucarístico. Por segundo año consecutivo, el multitudinario evento presencial ha sido cancelado debido a la pandemia. En su lugar, el obispo celebrará una Misa que será transmitida en vivo para los fieles de la diócesis de Charlotte desde la Catedral San Patricio.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En el canal de YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte: Únase al obispo Jugis para una misa a las 5:30 p.m. Sábado 18 de septiembre o domingo 19 de septiembre a las 11 a.m.

Congreso Eucarístico cambia a programa virtual/parroquial PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

CHARLOTTE — El Congreso Eucarístico 2021 de la Diócesis de Charlotte ha cambiado a un programa online y parroquial durante el fin de semana del 17 al 19 de septiembre debido al empeoramiento de la pandemia de COVID-19.

Funcionarios de salud pública de Carolina del Norte informaron que hasta el 8 de septiembre, 14,894 personas habían muerto por COVID-19 y 3,790 personas permanecían hospitalizadas.

Aproximadamente el 61 por ciento de los habitantes de Carolina del Norte elegibles han recibido las dos dosis de vacuna.

En un mensaje enviado el 4 de septiembre al clero, voluntarios y otras personas que ayudan a organizar el evento diocesano anual, el Padre Roger Arnsparger, presidente del comité de planificación del Congreso Eucarístico, señaló el aumento de las tasas de infección como la razón de la decisión de cancelar el evento en su modalidad presencial.

El Congreso Eucarístico anual generalmente atrae de 10.000 a 15.000 personas al Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

La Ciudad de Charlotte, propietaria del centro de convenciones, actualmente no ha establecido un límite para las reuniones masivas que prohibiría el evento en persona, pero los organizadores del Congreso Eucarístico dijeron que el alto riesgo de propagación del virus era motivo de gran preocupación. Adicionalmente,

salvaguardar la salud de las personas en una gran reunión interior sería difícil, especialmente con la logística que implica el cumplimiento del mandato de la ciudad del uso de mascarilla facial en espacios cerrados, y la implementación de los varios niveles de medidas de salud en el espacio de la sala de exposiciones completamente abarrotado.

Este es el segundo año que se cancela el Congreso Eucarístico presencial. El evento en 2020 también se llevó a cabo online y en parroquias debido a la pandemia.

El Padre Arnsparger señaló que las parroquias pueden buscar diferentes maneras de celebrar durante el fin de semana del Congreso Eucarístico, para fomentar la unidad y devoción a la Eucaristía.

“Teniendo en cuenta la orientación de las autoridades de salud pública locales y el ejercicio de la prudencia, las ideas del año pasado incluyeron dirigir una Hora Santa o una Procesión Eucarística al aire libre con sus Primeros Comulgantes, dar una charla o compartir un mensaje escrito sobre la Presencia Real de Jesús en la Eucaristía”, escribió en su mensaje al clero.

Como lo hizo el año pasado, el Obispo Peter Jugis ofrecerá Misa a las 5:30 p.m. del sábado 18 de septiembre y a las 11 a.m. del domingo 19, que se transmitirán “en vivo” desde la Catedral San Patricio por el canal de YouTube de la diócesis.

Los tres oradores hispanos invitados al Congreso Eucarístico, Sra. Lupita Venegas,

Padre Edwin Romo García y Gustavo Adolfo Mejía, han acordado presentarse para dialogar personalmente con los feligreses en algunas actividades parroquiales durante ese fin de semana. También grabarán sus mensajes que estarán disponibles por nuestras redes sociales el sábado 18 de septiembre a partir de las tres de la tarde.

Actividades parroquiales programadas Viernes 17 de septiembre, Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga, Hickory.

6:30 p.m. Charlas de Lupita Venegas y el Padre Romo. Hora Santa.

Viernes 17 de septiembre, Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte.

7 p.m. Charla de Gustavo Mejía.

Sábado 18 de septiembre, Iglesia Santa María Auxiliadora, Shelby 9:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. Jornada con el Padre Romo y Lupita Venegas. Procesión Eucarística y Hora Santa.

Sábado 18 de septiembre, Iglesia Sagrado Corazón, Salisbury 6:30 a 10 p.m. Programa con el Padre Romo y Lupita Venegas. Hora Santa y Santa Misa celebrada por el Padre Julio Domínguez.

Los organizadores trabajan diligentemente para ofrecer la posibilidad de seguir estas presentaciones a través de las redes sociales de las parroquias que gentilmente acogen a los oradores invitados.

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“Si nos detuviéramos por un momento para considerar atentamente lo que ocurre en este Sacramento, estoy segura que el pensamiento del amor de Cristo por nosotros transformaría la frialdad de nuestro corazón en un fuego de amor y gratitud”.

— Santa Ángela de Foligno

“La Eucaristía, presencia salvadora de Cristo en la comunidad de los fieles y su alimento espiritual, es lo más preciado que la Iglesia puede tener en su camino a lo largo de la historia”.

— San Juan Pablo II, ‘Iglesia de Eucaristía’, 2003

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 10, 2021 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

‘He is The Bread sown in the virgin, leavened in the Flesh, molded in His Passion, baked in the furnace of the Sepulchre, placed in the Churches, and set upon the Altars, which daily supplies Heavenly Food to the faithful.’

ENGLISH PROGRAM Starting Friday, Sept. 17, the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ DioceseofCharlotte) will feature recorded talks by the following speakers originally scheduled to appear in the English Track at the Eucharistic Congress. And don’t miss the livestreamed Mass for the virtual Eucharistic Congress on YouTube at: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, or 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Subscribe to the channel or follow the Catholic News Herald on Facebook and Twitter to get a reminder alert when the Masses are live. Videos will also be shared on the official Eucharistic Congress website: www.goeucharist.com.

Dr. William Thierfelder Theme: ‘My Imitation of Christ’

Thierfelder

— St. Peter Chrysologus

‘Only through the Eucharist is it possible to live the heroic virtues of Christianity: charity, to the point of forgiving one’s enemies; love for those who make us suffer; chastity in every age and situation of life; patience in suffering and when one is shocked by the silence of God in the tragedies of history or of one’s own personal existence.’

— St. John Paul II

Dr. Bill Thierfelder is currently in his 18th year as president of Belmont Abbey College, a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts institution founded in 1876, located 10 miles west of Charlotte.

Under his leadership enrollment has more than doubled, 30 facilities have been built or refurbished including the addition of an off-site campus, and the College has gained national recognition for its Catholic and Benedictine mission and identity as well as its academic and athletic excellence.

Prior to his appointment as president of Belmont Abbey College, Dr. Thierfelder successfully led and transitioned fitness legend, York Barbell Co., from a manufacturer to a solutions-based partner providing sales, marketing, product development and logistical services to mass

merchants and major sporting goods retailers throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Dr. Thierfelder was also a principal in Joyner Sports Medicine Institute, a physical therapy corporation he helped conceptualize, found, and develop. He has also served as executive director of the Player Management Group, a sports representation company that provided contract negotiation, financial management, legal, career planning and sports medicine services to professional athletes. He has helped thousands of athletes, including many at the Olympic and professional THIERFELDER, SEE PAGE 15

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC Theme: ‘Consecration to St. Joseph in the Year of St. Joseph’

Calloway

A Michigan native and Catholic convert, Father Donald Calloway was ordained a priest for the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary on May 31, 2003, at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass.

Before his conversion to Catholicism, he was a high school dropout who had been kicked out of a foreign country, institutionalized twice, and thrown in jail multiple times. After his radical conversion he earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, M.Div. and S.T.B. degrees from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and an S.T.L. in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio.

Father Calloway has written many academic articles and is the editor of two books: “The Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church” (Marian Press, 2004) and “The Virgin Mary and Theology of the Body” (Marian Press, 2005). He is also the author of seven books, including “Mary of Nazareth: The Life of Our Lady in Pictures” (Ignatius Press, 2015), “Rosary Gems: Daily Wisdom on the Holy Rosary” (Marian Press, 2015), and “Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon” (Marian Press, 2016).

His favorite saints are the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, his guardian angel and St. Michael the Archangel, and his favorite devotions are the rosary and, of course, the Divine Mercy.

Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla Theme: ‘St. Gianna and Pietro Molla: My Saint Mom and My Holy Dad. Living by Their Powerful Example of Love’

Molla

In less than 40 years, Gianna Beretta Molla became a pediatric physician, a wife, a mother and a saint! She was born in Magenta near Milan, Italy, the 10th of Alberto and Maria Beretta’s 13 children.

An active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and a leader in the Catholic Action movement, she also enjoyed skiing and mountain climbing. She earned degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia, eventually specializing in pediatrics. In 1952, she opened a clinic in the small town of Mesero, where she met engineer Pietro Molla. Shortly before their 1955 marriage, she wrote to Pietro:

“Love is the most beautiful sentiment that the Lord has put into the soul of men and women.” Over the next four years, the Mollas had three children: Pierluigi, Mariolina and Laura. Two pregnancies following ended in miscarriage. Early in her final pregnancy, doctors discovered she had both a child and a tumor in her uterus. She allowed the surgeons to remove the tumor but not to perform the complete hysterectomy they recommended, which would have killed the child. Seven months MOLLA, SEE PAGE 15

HEY, KIDS: ENTER OUR ESSAY CONTEST! Write an essay of no more than 300 words on the following: What does Jesus’ gift to us in the Holy Eucharist mean to you personally?

This contest is open to children in middle school through high school grades. One entry per person. Essays may be submitted in English or Spanish.

Email your essays to catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org no later than 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 29. Please be sure to include the author’s name, age or grade, parents’/ guardians’ names, and parents’ best daytime

phone number. Put as the email subject line “Eucharistic Congress essay.”

Catholic News Herald staff will judge the entries and select winners based on: how clearly, originally and persuasively the writer expresses themselves; their explanation of how their Catholic faith is important to them; and grammar and style.

Winners in each language category will each receive a $50 gift certificate to Chick-fil-A. Questions? Call the Catholic News Herald at 704-370-3333.

EDITOR’S NOTE: And be sure to check out the puzzles and coloring pages on pages 10-14.

September 10, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com EUCHARISTIC

PROGRAMA EN ESPAÑOL Estamos felices de anunciarles que los tres oradores hispanos invitados al Congreso Eucarístico, Sra. Lupita Venegas, Padre Edwin Romo García y Gustavo Adolfo Mejía, han acordado presentarse para dialogar personalmente con los feligreses en algunas actividades parroquiales durante ese fin de semana. También grabarán sus mensajes que serán emitidos por nuestras redes sociales (YouTube y Facebook) el sábado 18 de septiembre (en horario que confirmaremos más adelante). n El viernes 17, a las 6:30 p.m. Lupita Venegas y el Padre Romo darán sus charlas en la Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory. Le seguirá una Hora Santa. n El mismo día, a las 7 p.m. Gustavo Mejía se presentará en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.

n El sábado 18, de 9:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. se desarrollará una jornada en la Iglesia Santa María Auxiliadora en Shelby, donde participarán el Padre Romo y Lupita Venegas.

También se ofrecerá Procesión Eucarística y Hora Santa.

n A las 6:30 de la tarde, un programa similar se llevará a cabo en la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury. La Hora Santa y la Santa Misa serán celebradas por el Padre Julio Domínguez.

Tema: “Eucaristía: Servicio, Entrega y Amor” Nacido en Monterrey Nuevo León, México, y ordenado como sacerdote el día 15 de agosto del 2016. Ejerce su ministerio sacerdotal en la Arquidiócesis de Monterrey como vicario parroquial en la parroquia de Cristo Rey y Santuario de la Santísima Trinidad.

El Padre Edwin alcanzo su licenciatura en Teología Dogmática en la

Universidad de la Santa Cruz en Roma. Tiene mucha experiencia en conferencias y cursos de educación teológica. Actualmente es profesor en el seminario Arquidiocesano de Monterrey impartiendo varios cursos de Teología Dogmática. Es también Censor Eclesiástico en la Arquidiócesis.

Gustavo Adolfo Mejía Tema: “Jóvenes, El Reto de Presentar el Amor de Cristo”

Mejía

Laico completamente comprometido con la evangelización sobre todo con la juventud, pero abriendo su espacio de trabajo a muchos campos del anuncio de la buena nueva.

Su preparación académica esta centrada sobre todo en la Teología del Cuerpo y Psicología. Esto le ha abierto las puertas a ser consejero para muchas personas que

asisten a sus conferencias, así como a los talleres de entrenamiento que ejerce.

A través de los años ha alcanzado gran experiencia en la predicación y ha participado en canales como EWTN, María Visión, conferencias en el extranjero y maestro en programas como los que ofrece SEPI.

Lupita Venegas Leiva Tema: “Amor, Según el Querer de Cristo”

Venegas

Psicóloga con maestría en terapia familiar y diplomada en Ciencias de la Familia con reconocimiento de la Pontificia Universidad de Roma.

Nació en noviembre de 1963 en La Paz, BCS, México. Fue la primera de 4 hijos nacidos en el seno de una familia católica cuyos padres, pertenecientes al Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, supieron transmitir sus convicciones con la congruencia de sus vidas y el conocimiento cierto del Magisterio de la Iglesia.

Practica la consulta privada atendiendo a familias con el enfoque sistémico e incursiona en medios de

comunicación en 1999. Funda la asociación civil Valora, Conciencia en los Medios, cuyo fin es llevar el Evangelio a través de radio, televisión, prensa y cine. Produce y conduce los programas: ‘Desde el corazón’, ‘Para Florecer’ y ‘Alégrate’ en diversas radiodifusoras y televisoras. Es autora de los libros: ‘Despierta Mujer Dormida’ y ‘Desde El Corazón’. Ha grabado CDs con meditaciones y charlas que motivan al crecimiento personal eficazmente. Imparte conferencias en México, Centro y Sudamérica y Estados Unidos.

CHICOS, ¡PARTICIPEN EN NUESTRO CONCURSO DE ENSAYOS! Escribe un ensayo de no más de 300 palabras sobre lo siguiente: ¿Qué significa para ti el regalo de Jesús para nosotros en la Sagrada Eucaristía?

En este concurso pueden participar niños y jóvenes de middle y high school. Se recibe solo un ensayo por persona y puede estar escrito en inglés o español.

Los ensayos se reciben en el correo electrónico catholicnews@charlottediocese. org. La fecha límite de entrega es el miércoles 29 de septiembre a las 5 de la tarde.

Por favor, no olvides de incluir tu nombre, edad, grado escolar, nombre de tus padres/ tutores y un número de teléfono para llamar

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“De todas las devociones, adorar a Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento es el más grande de los sacramentos, el más querido por Dios y el más útil para nosotros”.

— San Alfonso María de Ligorio

P. Edwin Alberto Romo García

Romo

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a tus padres durante el día. En el espacio de “asunto” o “subject” escribe “Ensayo del Congreso Eucarístico”.

El equipo de Catholic News Herald juzgará los trabajos y seleccionará a los ganadores basado en cuán clara, original y persuasivamente se expresan los autores; la explicación de cómo su fe católica es importante para ellos; además de considerar gramática y estilo.

Los ganadores en las categorías de inglés y español recibirán un gift card de Chick-fil-A por 50 dólares. ¿Preguntas? Llama a Catholic News Herald al teléfono 704-370-3333.

“Aquí en la tierra es imposible realizar un acto más meritorio que visitar a menudo a Jesús en la Eucaristía.

Si tomas todas las buenas obras realizadas por todos los humanos que han vivido en toda la historia, las pones una sobre otra y las multiplicas por un millón, no igualarían el mérito, la virtud y el valor de una Misa. El sacrificio Eucarístico es el mérito infinito de Cristo, su valor infinito.”

— Santa Teresa of Ávila

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 10, 2021 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

‘With all the strength of my soul I urge you young people to approach the Communion table as often as you can. Feed on this bread of angels whence you will draw all the energy you need to fight inner battles.’

— Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

‘Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest of the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us.’

— St. Alphonsus Liguori

‘Here on earth it’s impossible to perform a more meritorious act than visiting Jesus often in the Eucharist. If you took all of the good works done by all of the humans who have ever lived in all of history and stacked them all up and multiplied them by a million, they wouldn’t equal the merit, the virtue and the worth of one Mass.

The Eucharistic sacrifice is Christ’s infinite merit, infinite value.’

— St. Teresa of Avila

St. Mark Church in Huntersville is among many parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte that offers regular Eucharistic Adoration so that people may come by and spend time with Jesus who is Present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY AMY BURGER

Make time for Eucharistic Adoration Prayer and meditation before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament are great ways to spend time with Him. Ask Him for graces for yourself or for loved ones, reflect on His Word, or just keep Him company.

All of our churches are open for people to come in and pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Many also have specific times during the day or week for adoration of Our Lord exposed in the monstrance, known as Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction.

This can include homilies by a priest, readings from Scripture, hymns such as “O Salutaris Hostia” and “Tantum Ergo,” and time for quiet adoration, after which the priest blesses the congregation in a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by recitation of the Divine Praises.

Countless religious, including many saints and popes over the centuries, have extolled the great spiritual blessings and benefits we can derive from Eucharistic Adoration. St. John Paul II, calling it “a great treasure of the Catholic faith,” noted that “it nourishes social love” and encouraged all Christians to visit Jesus regularly in the Blessed Sacrament as “we are all called to abide in the presence of God.”

Looking for a virtual option?

Perpetual Adoration is also offered online! One exemplary site is Marytown – the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a pilgrimage site and sacred space in Libertyville, Ill. At the heart of Marytown is Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, considered one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in the nation. The chapel has been a sanctuary of perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament since 1928. Perpetual Adoration is available 24/7 on their YouTube channel and linked from their website, www.kolbeshrine.org.

Did you know?

Two Eucharistic-themed hymns you’ll hear at Exposition and Benediction were composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century: “O Salutaris Hostia” and “Tantum Ergo.”

The renowned saint and Doctor of the Church composed the text of “O Salutaris Hostia” for the feast of Corpus Christi, established by the Church in 1264 to honor Our Lord in the Eucharist (in His Body and Blood).

It actually comprises the last two stanzas of a larger hymn that he wrote about Our Lord’s institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper and His Passion. It is often sung during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. The text is given below in Latin with an English translation: O salutaris Hostia, Quae caeli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

O saving Victim, opening wide, The gate of heaven to man below!

Our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.

To Thy great name by endless praise, Immortal Godhead, one in Three; Oh, grant us endless length of days, In our true native land with Thee. Amen.

In “Tantum Ergo,” St. Thomas Aquinas pays homage to Our Lord both in the Eucharist and in His glory in the Trinity. It comprises the last two stanzas of “Pange Lingua,” a hymn he also wrote for the feast of Corpus Christi. This hymn plays an important part in the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. “Tantum Ergo” is usually sung before the Benediction when the priest blesses the congregation with the monstrance. It is given below in Latin with an English translation: Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui: Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui.

Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail, Lo! o’er ancient forms departing Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying, Where the feeble senses fail.

Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen.

To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high With the Holy Spirit proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor blessing, Might and endless majesty. Amen.

— www.ourcatholicprayers.com

More online On www.catholicnewsherald.com: How to go to Eucharistic Adoration, how and when to genuflect, and other questions answered

September 10, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com EUCHARISTIC

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iiiSeptember 10, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

A message from h

‘We break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ.’

The amazing science of recent Eucharistic miracles

— St. Thomas Aquinas

THE MIRACLES IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE

JEANNETTE WILLIAMS ASCENSION PRESS

— St. Ignatius of Antioch

‘The Sacrament of the Body of the Lord puts the demons to flight, defends us against the incentives to vice and to concupiscence, cleanses the soul from sin, quiets the anger of God, enlightens the understanding to know God, inflames the will and the affections with the love of God, fills the memory with spiritual sweetness, confirms the entire man in good, frees us from eternal death, multiplies the merits of a good life, leads us to our everlasting home, and reanimates the body to eternal life.’

EUCHARISTI

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hen we think about Eucharistic miracles, we may be tempted to think that most of them are unsubstantiated stories that only happened in the “old days” and couldn’t happen today in our age of science.

The last few decades, however, have seen a surge in Eucharistic miracles which cannot be explained by science. And in most of these recent miracles, the Eucharist turns into human flesh and blood.

The consistency among the scientific results is startling. Let’s begin with the oldest-known verifiable case of the Eucharist transforming into physical flesh and blood – the Miracle of Lanciano, which took place in 750 A.D. and underwent testing in the 1970s. The facts of this case are stunning.

THE MOST REMARKABLE MIRACLE OF THE MIDDLE AGES

In 750 A.D., a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while he was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the bread and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood.

In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, scientists began a thorough examination of the miraculous substances, and in 1973, the United Nations’ World Health Organization began their own barrage of five hundred tests, which took 15 months. The scientific tests revealed: n The coagulated substance is human blood, type AB, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood. n The Host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, the branch of the vagus nerve and adipose tissue all can be identified. n Like the blood, the flesh is also living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings.” n Most remarkably, the blood is divided into five unequal-sized parts, and yet each part weighs exactly 15.85g, and all parts together also weigh the same 15.85g.

After their tests, the Medical Commission of WHO and the UN reportedly published results in 1976, stating: “Science, aware of its limits, has come to a halt, face to face with the impossibility of giving an explanation.”

It’s hard to imagine the UN would get involved with a religious miracle nowadays, let alone admit defeat in explaining it away.

Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. n 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. n 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. n 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. n 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host.

STARTLING SCIENTIFIC RESULTS

Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: n The blood is human, type AB; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound. n The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart. In the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death. n In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably – as if the bread were transforming into flesh.

“Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern

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Eucharistic Miracles: Evidence of the Real Pre RONALD RYCHLAK CATHOLIC ANSWERS

At every Catholic Mass, following the command of Jesus Himself, the celebrant raises the host and says, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you.” Then he lifts the cup and says, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

The doctrine of transubstantiation, the teaching that bread and wine are converted into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, is difficult. When Christ first told His followers of it, many rejected Him. But Jesus did not soften His statement or correct their misunderstanding. He simply repeated His command to the disciples at the Last Supper. Some Christians today still have trouble accepting this teaching.

Throughout history, though, many people have reported miracles that brought them back to the truth.

The Church has recognized over 100 Eucharistic miracles, many of which occurred during times of weakened faith in transubstantiation.

One of the earliest was recorded by the Desert

Fathers in Egypt, among the first Christian monks.

One of these monks had doubts about the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine.

Two of his fellow monks prayed for his faith to be strengthened, and they all attended Mass together.

According the account they left behind, when the bread was placed on the altar, the three men saw a small child there. When the priest put out his hand to break the bread, an angel descended with a sword and poured the child’s blood into the chalice. When the priest cut the bread into small pieces, the angel also cut the child into pieces. When the men drew near to receive Communion, the skeptical man alone received a morsel of bloody flesh. Seeing this, he became afraid and cried out: “Lord, I believe that this bread is your flesh and this chalice your blood.” Immediately the flesh became bread, and he took it, giving thanks to God. The other monks then had a great insight into the miracle that takes place at each Mass. They explained, “God knows human nature and that man cannot eat raw flesh, and that is why He has changed His Body into bread and His Blood into wine for those who receive it in faith.”

BLOODSTAINED CLOTHS

In 1263, a German priest known as Peter of Prague

was struggling with the doctrine of tran While he was saying Mass in Bolseno, Ita to stream out of the host and onto the co moment of consecration. This was repor investigated by Pope Urban IV, who conc miracle was real. The bloodstained linen at the cathedral in Orvieto, Italy. Many E miracles are like the one experienced by in which the host turns into flesh and blo Pope Urban had already associated w Eucharistic miracle. Years earlier, Bles Cornillon, in Belgium, had a vision in w a full moon that was darkened in one s voice told her that the moon represente at that time, and the dark spot showed feast in honor of Corpus Christi was m the liturgical calendar. She reported th local Church official, the archdeacon o became Pope Urban IV. Remembering Juliana’s vision as he bloody miracle reported by Peter of Pr commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to c Office for the Mass and Liturgy of the H new feast dedicated to devotion of the E liturgy of Corpus Christi (more fully d pretty much how we celebrate it today.

IC CONGRESS

heaven?

cal techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such ” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining

ederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University amined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source ample and told the doctor who brought it to him: “If lood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked ply moved. has the Lord suddenly multiplied Eucharistic miracles ast few decades? Are we, like Doubting Thomas, g to believe unless we see, touch and feel for ourselves? n His love for Thomas condescended to let him see, nd feel His wounds in order to believe. Perhaps He is ng the same for us. ny young people have rejected religion as “unscientific.” s the science to prove our faith. Others say they don’t in religion because it’s just opinion or contrary to .” Here’s quantifiable, measurable, physical evidence. more is going on here. The Church teaches: “in the most sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together e soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, le Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained’” ism of the Catholic Church 1374). turally, we see this in John 6:48-58 and 1 Corinthians 10:16 and et the Eucharist is transforming into human heart only. if Jesus, by transforming into a human heart, is crying out ’m here! I love you! My heart yearns for you! Was not my ion enough to prove my love for you? See, then, and believe. I mained hidden in the Eucharist for these 2,000 years that I may close to you. Please, approach me. Receive me. Quench my r your love.”

ALL WE RESPOND TO THIS PLEA FROM HEAVEN?

r Lord has condescended to make Himself so evident to us r to be heard above the noise of our modern world, gratitude hould impel us to respond. In the words of St. Gemma Galgani: go to Jesus. He is all alone and hardly anyone thinks of Him. sus.” confession. Receive Him in Communion. Spend time in istic Adoration. Learn more about the Mass and the Eucharist you may appreciate Him more. On the Cross, Jesus cried out, “I As many saints have told us, it was not water He was thirsting was you. Quench His thirst.

— Reprinted with permission from Ascension Press, available online at www.ascensionpress.com.

esence

nsubstantiation. aly, blood began orporal at the rted to and cluded that the n is still exhibited Eucharistic y Peter of Prague, ood. with a ssed Juliana of which she saw spot. A heavenly ed the Church that a great missing from his vision to a of Liège, He later

verified the rague, Urban compose the Hours for a Eucharist. This defined in 1312) is .

A BRIGHT LIGHT

With some Eucharistic miracles, the host emits a bright light. In 1247, for instance, a woman in Santarem, Portugal, was concerned about her husband’s faithfulness. She went to a sorceress, who promised the woman that her husband would return to his loving ways if the wife would bring a consecrated host back to the sorceress. The woman agreed.

At Mass, the woman managed to obtain a consecrated host and put it in a kerchief, but before she could return to the sorceress, the cloth became bloodstained. This frightened the woman. She hurried home and hid the cloth and host in a drawer in her bedroom. That night, the drawer emitted a bright light.

When her husband saw it, the woman told him what had happened. The following day, many townspeople came to the house, attracted by the light.

The people reported the events back to the parish priest, who went to the house. He took the host back to the church and put it in a wax container where it continued to bleed for three days. The host remained in the wax container for four years. One day when the priest opened the tabernacle door, he saw that the wax had broken into numerous pieces. In its place EVIDENCE, SEE PAGE 15

September 10, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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‘Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament ... There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves upon earth, and more than that: death: by the divine paradox, that which ends life, and demands the surrender of all, and yet by the taste (or foretaste) of which alone can what you seek in your earthly relationships (love, faithfulness, joy) be maintained, or take on that complexion of reality, of eternal endurance, that every man’s heart desires.’ ­— J.R.R. Tolkien

‘If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.’

— St. Maximilian Kolbe

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The Eucharist

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The Eucharist

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THIERFELDER

MOLLA

FROM PAGE 4

FROM PAGE 4

levels, achieve dramatic improvements in their athletic performances.

He received master’s and doctoral degrees in Sports Psychology and Human Movement from Boston University.

He is a licensed psychologist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties, a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sport Psychology Registry. He is a former NCAA Division I Coach, National Champion, and a two-time All-American from the University of Maryland.

He is an inductee of the Sports Faith International Hall of Fame, which includes world-class athletes, coaches, and team owners, such as George “Papa Bear” Halas, Vince Lombardi, Wellington Mara and Brian Piccolo.

Dr. Thierfelder has also led the fight for religious freedom and has testified before the U.S. Congress in matters related to religious liberty. He is the author of “Less Than A Minute To Go: The Secret to World-Class Performance in Sport, Business and Everyday Life” with foreword by Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Dr. Thierfelder was born and raised in New York City.

He is a Knight of Malta and currently lives just outside of Charlotte with his wife Mary, a Dame of Malta, and their 10 children.

EVIDENCE FROM PAGE 9

was a crystal container with the blood inside.

The house where the miracle took place was converted into a chapel in 1684. Even today, on the second Sunday of April, the incident is re-enacted in the Church of St. Stephen in Santarem. The reliquary that houses the miraculous host rests above the tabernacle in that church, and it can be viewed year-round from a set of stairs behind the main altar.

Faith, of course, should not be based on miracles alone. Several of the recorded miracles

later in April 1962, Gianna Emanuela Molla was born at the hospital in Monza, but post-operative complications resulted in an infection for her mother. The following week she died at home, and was buried in the cemetery of Mesero.

Gianna Beretta Molla was beatified in 1994 and canonized 10 years later. She is the patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn children. Her feast day is celebrated April 28.

Gianna Emanuela went on to become a physician herself. She says the world needs “my mother’s life with us, and perhaps today more than ever – her exemplary Christian life, her witness (and) her sacred respect for life.” She added, “Life is … the most sacramental gift we always honor, respect and defend.”

Dr. Molla, who formerly worked as a geriatrician in Italy, now works full-time at the Saint Gianna Foundation to honor and share her mother’s memory, example, testimony and spirituality.

are very old, and it may be possible to dismiss them. There is no doubt, though, that reports of these miracles have strengthened the faith of many in the instructions given by Christ and provided avenues for contemplation of the miracle that takes place at every Mass.

— Originally published in June 2019. Reprinted with permission from Catholic Answers (online at www.catholic. com).

More online At www.therealpresence.org: Learn more on the website of The Real Presence Association

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‘At the Last Supper, on the night when He was betrayed, our Savior instituted the eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of His death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is eaten, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.’

— Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), 47

‘Holy Communion is the shortest and surest way to Heaven. There are others, innocence, for instance, but that is for little children; penance, but we are afraid of it; generous endurance of the trials of life, but when they come we weep and ask to be spared. Once for all, beloved children, the surest, easiest, shortest way is by the Eucharist. It is so easy to approach the holy table, and there we taste the joys of Paradise.’

— St. Pius X

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