The Eucharist: Heart of the Ecclesial Life

"The Eucharist is the inexhaustible source of fidelity to the Gospel..." ~ St. John Paul II

"I would like to urge​ all men and women religious to establish an ever more profound communion with Christ by sharing daily in the sacrament which makes him present, in the sacrifice which actualizes the gift of his love on Golgotha, the banquet which nourishes and sustains God's pilgrim people. 'By its very nature', as the Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata affirms, 'the Eucharist is at the center of the consecrated life, both for individuals and communities' (VC 95)....

"The Eucharist is the inexhaustible source of fidelity to the Gospel, for in this sacrament, the heart of ecclesial life, the deep identification and total conformation with Christ to which consecrated persons are called, is completely fulfilled.

'In the Eucharist all forms of prayer come together, the Word of God is proclaimed and received, relationships with God, with brothers and sisters, with all men and women are challenged. It is the Sacrament of filiation, of communion and of mission. The Eucharist, the Sacrament of unity with Christ, is at the same time the Sacrament of Church unity and community unity for the consecrated person' (SA 26)....

"Brothers and Sisters, let us penetrate the mystery of the Eucharist guided by the Blessed Virgin Mary and following her example! May Mary, Woman of the Eucharist, help all who are called to special intimacy with Christ to participate diligently in Holy Mass and obtain for them the gift of prompt obedience, faithful poverty and fruitful virginity; may she make them holy disciples of Christ in the Eucharist."

~St. John Paul II
​(excerpts from his address to religious February 2, 2005)

​Mary, Mother of the Eucharist,
Pray for us!

​
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament,
Pray for us!


Mary, Queen, Mother,
​and Model of the Religious Life,
Pray for us!