Introduction
The Holy Eucharist, also known as the Blessed Sacrament, is the real presence of Jesus Christ's body and blood under the appearances of consecrated bread and wine. It is the central mystery of the Catholic faith and the source and summit of the Christian life.
The Eucharist is the most important sacrament, as it is the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and allows the faithful to receive Jesus himself. Consuming the Eucharist unites the Body of Christ—the Church—together in faith and empowers Christians to serve God and others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it." Therefore, the Eucharist is the source of spiritual nourishment and grace for all Catholics.
History of April as Month of the Eucharist
Pope John Paul II designated April as the Month of the Eucharist in 2003. He chose April because it is the month when Catholics celebrate important feasts and solemnities related to the Eucharist.
The most significant event is Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist on the night before his crucifixion. Holy Thursday begins the Easter Triduum, the three-day celebration of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection.
Easter Sunday also often occurs in April, marking Jesus' resurrection from the dead. The Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday, based on the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska which emphasized the merciful love of Christ present in the Eucharist.
By dedicating April as a month focused on the Eucharist, Pope John Paul II hoped to encourage Catholics to grow in their appreciation and love for the great sacrament that is the source and summit of the Christian life.
Holy Week Connections
Holy Week and the Easter Triduum have a deep connection to the Eucharist and the Month of the Eucharist. The Triduum spans Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. It marks the end of Lent and leads up to Easter Sunday.
On Holy Thursday, Catholics commemorate the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist. He shared bread and wine with his disciples and commanded them to "Do this in memory of me." The Eucharist was established at the Last Supper and is the focal point of Holy Thursday liturgies.
Good Friday is when Jesus' passion and crucifixion is remembered. Catholics connect Christ's sacrifice on the cross to the sacrifice of the Mass. The Eucharist is the re-presentation of Jesus' sacrifice.
The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday tells the salvation story from creation to the resurrection. The Eucharist is the culmination of this story - made present through the consecration of bread and wine.
Holy Week highlights the origins of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, its sacrificial nature on Good Friday, and its central role in the story of salvation during the Easter Vigil. These deep connections make Holy Week and the Triduum fitting precursors to the Month of the Eucharist in April.
Eucharistic Adoration
The practice of Eucharistic Adoration has long been an important part of Catholic devotion, but it takes on special significance during the month of April. During this month, many parishes and dioceses organize extended periods of Adoration, encouraging the faithful to spend time in quiet contemplation and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
There are certain customs associated with Eucharistic Adoration, especially during April. It is common for parishes to set up a special Adoration chapel or designate the main church for Adoration. The Blessed Sacrament is placed in a monstrance on the altar for adorers to see and pray before. Many parishes organize overnight Adoration events, with parishioners signing up for hour-long slots throughout the night and day. Some practice silent Adoration, while others may incorporate scripture readings, music, rosary recitations, or other devotional prayers.
Another custom involves processions and benedictions with the Blessed Sacrament at the end of Adoration. A priest or deacon processes around the church with the monstrance, blessing the faithful. This special rite concludes the period of Adoration. Many parishes schedule their processions and benedictions for major feast days like Holy Thursday, the Annunciation, and Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter).
Overall, the reverent practice of Eucharistic Adoration enables Catholics to grow closer to Christ during the special month dedicated to the Holy Eucharist. The customs and rituals surrounding Adoration make it a moving spiritual experience.
Eucharistic Miracles
Throughout history, Eucharistic miracles have affirmed the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. These miracles often involve the Eucharist visibly transforming into human flesh and blood.
One of the most famous Eucharistic miracles occurred in the 8th century in Lanciano, Italy. During Mass, a priest doubted the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Suddenly the host transformed into flesh and the wine transformed into blood. The flesh is still preserved today and was determined to be heart tissue.
In 1996, a Eucharistic miracle occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A consecrated host that was left out to soak in water turned into a bloody substance. The bishop had it photographed and analyzed, and the lab found it was real flesh and blood. When the Pope Francis was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he had a special reliquary made for the miraculous host.
Other famous Eucharistic miracles include instances in Orvieto, Italy in 1263, Santarem, Portugal in 1247, and Offida, Italy in 1273. There have been over 150 Eucharistic miracles approved by the Catholic Church. These miracles throughout history continue to affirm the central mystery of the Eucharist - that the bread and wine become the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Vatican Promotion
The Vatican has played an important role in promoting April as the Month of the Eucharist. In 2004, Pope John Paul II declared the entire Church year from October 2004 to October 2005 as the “Year of the Eucharist.” As part of this, he specifically designated April 2005 as the “Month of the Eucharist.”
Since then, the Vatican has continued efforts to highlight the Eucharist during April each year. Pope Benedict XVI released his apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist, Sacramentum Caritatis, in April 2007. In April 2011, Pope Benedict met with a group of bishops from India and urged them to do more to promote Eucharistic adoration.
More recently, Pope Francis has spoken about the importance of the Eucharist and spent time in Eucharistic adoration in April. In 2013, he made a surprise visit to pray before the Blessed Sacrament at a basilica in Rome. And in April 2014, Francis preached a homily emphasizing the transformative power of the Eucharist to make us more like Christ.
The Vatican has encouraged bishops around the world to organize Eucharistic congresses and other events every April. Various Vatican departments have also issued statements and documents promoting Eucharistic devotion during the month. Clearly, the Holy See places great importance on dedicated focus on the Blessed Sacrament each April.
Personal Devotions
April is a special time for Catholics to grow in their love and devotion to the Eucharist through personal practices. Here are some ways to do so:
- Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. Many parishes have extended hours of Adoration during April. Being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful way to become more aware of Christ's love.
- Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament a daily habit. Even just 5 or 10 minutes of prayer before the tabernacle can make a big impact. Pray prayers of thanksgiving and adoration.
- Read Scripture passages about the Eucharist like John 6 and the Last Supper accounts. Meditate on Jesus' words about being the "bread of life."
- Make a spiritual communion if unable to attend daily Mass. Offer prayers asking Jesus to enter your heart spiritually.
- Pray a Eucharistic novena like the Divine Mercy chaplet which focuses on Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
- Do some spiritual reading on the Eucharist from saints like John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Padre Pio, and more.
- Make sacramental confessions to cleanse your soul and prepare to receive Jesus worthily.
- Attend extra Masses if possible, even on weekdays. Hearing the Eucharistic prayers more often can increase devotion.
- Deepen your participation at Mass by engaging in singing, responses, and prayerful reception of communion.
- Keep a Eucharistic fast for 1-2 hours before Mass as a sacrifice and spiritual preparation.
- Reflect on what receiving the Eucharist means in your life and develop a greater awe for this gift.
Conclusion
April being known as the Month of the Holy Eucharist highlights the centrality and importance of the Eucharist in Catholic life and worship. By dedicating a month for focus on the Eucharist, we recall the institution of this sacrament by Jesus Christ himself during the Last Supper on Holy Thursday. The Eucharist is the real presence of Christ under the appearances of bread and wine, which we receive during Mass.
During April, Catholics pay special attention to the Eucharist through practices like Eucharistic Adoration and celebrating Eucharistic miracles. The month contains Holy Week when we commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist unites us to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. By honoring the Eucharist in April, we renew our faith in Christ truly present in this Blessed Sacrament. Through spiritual and devotional practices, we can grow in our love for the gift of the Eucharist.