June is Dedicated to the Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is a central sacrament in our Catholic faith, as we believe it is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. According to Church teaching, during the celebration of the Eucharist, the bread and wine offered by the faithful are transformed into the body and blood of Christ through a process called transubstantiation.

In the month of June, we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, which is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist. This feast is usually celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday and is marked by processions, adoration of the Eucharist, and other devotions.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is rooted in the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and instructed them to do the same in remembrance of him. The Eucharist is seen as a way for Catholics to participate in Christ’s sacrifice and receive his grace and salvation.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks,* and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:26-28

During the celebration of the Eucharist, the priest consecrates the bread and wine, and the faithful receive the body and blood of Christ in the form of communion. This act of communion with Christ and with one another is seen as a way to strengthen the unity of the Church.

The Feast of Corpus Christi is a time for Catholics to reflect on the Eucharist’s significance and deepen their devotion to Christ. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the Church’s unity and share the message of Christ’s love with others.

The Holy Eucharist is the most important sacrament in our Catholic faith, representing the body and blood of Christ. June is also dedicated to the Sacred Heart of June, as it is a time for us to celebrate this tradition and deepen our devotion to Christ and to one another.

You can learn more about The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, events, and pilgrimages to celebrate the Holy Eucharist by clicking here.