This weekend as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, a three-year program of Eucharistic Revival for the Catholic Church in the United States will begin, with “My flesh for the Life of the World” (John 6:51) as its theme.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is sponsoring this initiative, which will unfold as follows:
Year 1 – the diocesan phase (June 18, 2022, to June11, 2023);
Year 2 – the parish phase (June 11, 2023, to July 17, 2024) and,
Year 3 – the national phase (June 17, 2024, to Pentecost 2025).
This three-year program aims to inspire a “movement of Catholics across the United States, healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist.” (EucharisticRevival.org) It seeks to renew the Church in this country by enkindling in the faithful a living relationship with Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Since this is a three-year program, expect to hear in your parish frequent references in homilies, talks, etc., about the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
Our diocesan phase will begin on Saturday, June 18, the Vigil of Corpus Christi, in Atlantic City with an evening Eucharistic Candlelight Procession on the Boardwalk (information can be found at the conclusion of this column). During the procession, we will pause three times along the route at temporary Altars erected for Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, between Tennessee Avenue and Kennedy Plaza.
Traditionally, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, all parishes organize their own Eucharistic Processions. This year, in addition, representatives from each parish are joining our diocesan Procession. A Procession gives public witness to our faith, and the walking reminds the participants that we are all on a journey through this life to life eternal. On Saturday night, the Blessed Sacrament will be solemnly carried while the faithful sing hymns and offer prayers and praise to God. At each Altar, a short reflection will be offered, and the faithful will be blessed by the Holy Eucharist.
Atlantic City is the venue for the “kick off” of our diocesan phase because of the iconic history of the boardwalk. On May 22, 1954, the Marian Year, our diocesan history records that a procession on the boardwalk in Atlantic City attracted a quarter-million onlookers and 55,000 people attended a Mass in Convention Hall.
With the desire to see throngs like those occur again, during this diocesan phase, a variety of programs will be offered to encourage a renewed understanding of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and to increase the participation of Catholics at Sunday Mass. Sunday is the Day of the Lord. It should be lived differently from the other days of the week. Attendance and active participation at the Sunday Mass should be practiced by each Catholic. Dedicated time with the Lord in the assembly of the faithful is a must on Sunday. Unfortunately, too many Catholics have abandoned this observance.
It is also hoped that this diocesan phase will lead to a renewed understanding of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, particularly of the REAL PRESENCE of the Lord in the Sacrament. He is REALLY present, TRULY present, in the consecrated bread and wine. There are alarming statistics that indicate that many Catholics do not accept this truth of Catholic faith. The diocesan phase aims to assist the faithful to understand our Church’s teaching about the Holy Eucharist. “The real, true and substantial presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the most profound reality of the Sacrament.” (#21, The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church, USCCB, 2021)
As we know all too well, our Church still needs healing from the shocking scandal of clerical abuse of minors. A living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of His Body and Blood can affect this much-needed healing. Further, the recent pandemic and its shocking consequences have caused loss of faith for some people. A relationship with Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist can bring peace to those who seek and need the peace of Christ.
The parish phase of the national Eucharistic Revival will follow the diocesan phase. The parish is where people directly experience the Church. It is where the Sacraments are celebrated; the Word of God is preached; catechetics are taught; the people are sanctified, and community is formed. During this second phase in each parish there will be programs, events, celebrations centered on the Holy Eucharist – the “source and summit” of the Church’s life. The Eucharist is nourishment with the Body and Blood of the Lord. The parish is where the People of God are fed with the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
The final phase of the Eucharistic Revival will begin with the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress convened in the United States. It will take place in Indianapolis, July 21-24, 2024. This will kick off the Year of Going Out on Mission. Going out as Missionary Disciples to attract others to the Mystery of Faith, the Holy Eucharist.
Let us begin this three-year program with lively interest and with faith that seeks to grow in its understanding of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of the Lord. May this Eucharistic Revival have much-needed results in us and be for the good of the Church.
I hope to greet you at the Procession on the boardwalk in Atlantic City on the evening of June 18.
To learn more about the June 18 Eucharistic Procession and the three-year Eucharistic Revival, go to EucharisticRevivalSouthJersey.org.
The Eucharistic Procession will begin promptly at 8 p.m. on Saturday night, beginning at Tennessee Avenue and the boardwalk in Atlantic City. It will end at Kennedy Plaza at approximately 9:30 p.m. Parking is available at various lots in the city, ranging from $10-$20 for the evening. Local parking can be reserved in advance using the SpotHero.com iOS or Android apps or website. Additionally, Atlantic City Jitneys can be utilized for only $2.75 a ride.