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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - April, 2015
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of April: Dedicated to the Holy Eucharist
* Resources for Holy Week & Easter
* 'A Formal Protestation for Fixing in the Soul a Firm Resolution to Serve God' (Saint Francis de Sales)
* Liturgical Feasts in April
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine?
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Dear Friend,
"May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Heb. 13:20-21)
We send you warm greetings during these last remaining days of Passiontide, which will soon be followed by the joyous season of Easter (Paschaltide). Some important dates in early April include...
4/1/15 - Spy Wednesday
4/2/15 - Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
4/3/15 - Good Friday
4/4/15 - Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
4/5/15 - EASTER SUNDAY
We hope you will be showered with many graces and blessings during this especially holy time of the year.
May God bless you always,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.'" (Mk. 10:32-34)
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MCS News & Notes
* Will you be traveling for Easter? Need to locate a parish or Mass time? Don't forget our 'locate a Mass' links page at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Churches (or alternately at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Masses ) [Note: These URL shortcuts both redirect to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/lk/links-churches_masses.asp ]
* New User-Submitted Article: Another user-submitted article has been added to the site. To view a list of currently available user-submitted articles, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_articles_index.htm
* Indulgences Reminder: Various indulgences may be available this month. For more information on indulgences, please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* We will soon be preparing for our Seventh Annual Rosary Week. Please plan to join us by praying the Rosary each day of the week (from 10/25/15 through 10/31/15) for the indicated intentions. A sign up sheet should be available shortly.
* Jubilee Resources: Pope Francis recently announced a "Jubilee Year of Mercy" from December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016. According to the Vatican Radio website, "This initiative, proposed by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, promotes throughout the world the opening of churches for an extended period of time for the purpose of inviting people to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation." The "official and solemn announcement" of the Holy Year is scheduled to take place on 'Divine Mercy Sunday' (Novus Ordo calendar). The opening and closing dates of the Holy Year are associated with the closing of Second Vatican Council (12/8/1965) and with the Feast of Christ the King (11/20/2016, Novus Ordo calendar). Some related resources...
· Sacrament of Penance / Confession ('Reconciliation') [Topic Page] - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-penance.htm
· Christ the King (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Christ_the_King.htm
· Divine Mercy (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-divine_mercy.htm
· Second Vatican Council (Topic Page) - http://mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-second_vatican_council.htm
* Planning some 'spring cleaning'? Rather than toss out items you can no longer use, consider offering these items to others for free (or for the cost of shipping). To offer your item(s), please visit the Give & Take Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/give_and_take.htm . Or, if you are in need, please feel free to stop by the Give & Take Section to request needed items for yourself.
* For 'Divine Mercy Sunday' information, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-divine_mercy.htm [Note: This page includes links to 'Divine Mercy prayers' at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/divine_mercy.htm and also to the user-submitted article "What's Up With Faustina's Divine Mercy Devotion? Unanswered Questions & Things You May Not Know" at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_article-faustinas_divine_mercy_devotion.htm ]
* Did you know? There is so much junk out there in 'cyberspace', including a lot of anti-Catholic materials, yet search engines are automated and therefore may have a difficult time distinguishing between sites containing junk and sites which contain quality content. When other sites & blogs contain links to MyCatholicSource.com, this helps search engines figure out that MyCatholicSource.com is not 'junk'. So, if you participate in forums or have a blog or website, would you please consider linking to us? Please link to as many pages on MyCatholicSource.com as possible, as often as possible. Thank you!
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* It's still not to late to get iStations! Our Stations of the Cross app is perfect for Lent and beyond. Reviewers have called the app "Great", "wonderful", "excellent" and "A perfect daily Lenten prayer". Comments have included references to "beautiful pictures" and "beautifully written" prayers which are "perfect for a meaningful way to remember and reflect on the death and rising of Jesus." The app was also called "Beautifully sublime" and "a great Lenten time app [that] brings home the meaning of lent and helps me with setting my goals." Why not get your copy today? Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ].
* App Development Update: At this time, we are trying to focus most of our 'free time' on Android app development. We are, in particular, hoping to complete the Android version of our Catholic Bible References app sometime in the near future (hopefully we will have the app ready sometime in 2015). Although we have recently made some progress in our Android development endeavors, we unfortunately do not have a great deal of 'free time' to dedicate to this project. If you have already signed up for our waiting list, please note that you should receive an e-mail when Android app(s) are complete. If you haven't yet signed up, you can add yourself to the list at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/app-wl.htm . In the meantime, thank you for your patience and for any prayers you might be able to offer.
* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. Favorable reviews really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.htm
* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )
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The Month of April: Dedicated to the Holy Eucharist
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"There is nothing more to be added when we have said 'The Eucharist', since It is Jesus Christ." (St. Peter Julian Eymard)
"[The Eucharist is] a medicine of immortality, an antidote to death" (St. Ignatius of Antioch, c. 110 A.D.)
"Every Communion is a new gift which Jesus Christ makes of Himself." (St. Ignatius Loyola)
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Related Resources...
* Holy Communion / Holy Eucharist (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Holy_Communion.htm
* Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_mass.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (General Info.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Catechism of the Council of Trent on the Holy Eucharist - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/catechism_of_the_council_of_trent_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Holy Communion (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/sacraments_reflections_Holy_Eucharist_Mass__Holy_Communion.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/sacraments_reflections_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Mass / Holy Eucharist (Prayers) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Mass_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Mirae Caritatis (On The Holy Eucharist, Pope Leo XIII) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/mirae_caritatis.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (Apologetics) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Eucharist_Mass.htm
* Holy Eucharist (Word Search) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Holy Eucharist (Crossword Puzzle) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_Holy_Eucharist.html
* Communion in the Hand: Why Not? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/communion_in_the_hand__why_not.htm
* Communion Under Both Species: Is it Required? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/communion_under_both_species__is_it_required.htm
* Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/lay_ministers__why_not.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"When they see the Blood of the Lord, demons flee while angels gather." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"[T]he Eucharist is, in itself, the greatest of the sacraments" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"A soul can do nothing that is more pleasing to God than to communicate (receive Holy Communion) in a state of grace." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"No tongue can express the greatness of the love which Jesus Christ bears to our souls. He did not wish that between Him and His servants there should be any other pledge than Himself, to keep alive the remembrance of Him." (St. Peter of Alcantara)
"This Sacrament, whether as the theme of devout meditation, or as the object of public adoration, or best of all as a food to be received in the utmost purity of conscience, is to be regarded as the center towards which the spiritual life of a Christian in all its ambit gravitates; for all other forms of devotion, whatsoever they may be, lead up to it, and in it find their point of rest." (Pope Leo XIII, "Mirae Caritatis", 1902 A.D.)
"When you see It (the Body of Christ) exposed, say to yourself: Thanks to this body, I am no longer dust and ashes, I am no more a captive but a freeman: hence I hope to obtain heaven and the good things that are there in store for me, eternal life, the heritage of the angels, companionship with Christ; death has not destroyed this body which was pierced by nails and scourged,...this is that body which was once covered with blood, pierced by a lance, from which issued saving fountains upon the world, one of blood and the other of water...This body He gave to us to keep and eat, as a mark of His intense love." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, And giving thanks, broke and said [to the Apostles]: Take ye and eat: This is my body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of me. In like manner also the chalice, after he had supped, saying: This chalice is the new testament in my blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me. For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come. Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you: and many sleep [that is, die]." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:23-30)
"If any one saith that in the sacred and holy sacrament of the Eucharist the substance of the bread and wine remains conjointly with the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and denieth that wonderful and singular conversion of the whole substance of the bread into the Body, and of the whole substance of the wine into the Blood - the species only of the bread and wine remaining - which conversion indeed the Catholic Church most aptly calls transubstantiation; let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)
"If any one denieth that in the sacrament of the most holy Eucharist are contained truly, really, and substantially, the Body and Blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ; but saith that He is only therein as a sign, or in a figure, or virtue; let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)
"No one who has a mortal sin on his conscience shall dare receive the Holy Eucharist before making a sacramental confession, regardless of how contrite he may think he is. This holy council declares that this custom is to be kept forever" (Council of Trent)
"Can. 915 Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion." (1983 Code of Canon Law)
"Can. 731 § 2 It is forbidden that the Sacraments of the Church be ministered to heretics and schismatics, even if they ask for them and are in good faith, unless beforehand, rejecting their errors, they are reconciled with the Church." (1917 Code of Canon Law)
"Certainly, then, the more a Christian is aware of the holiness and the divinity of this heavenly Sacrament [of the Eucharist], the more careful he should be not to receive it without great reverence and sanctity, especially since we read in the Apostle the fearful words: 'He who eats and drinks unworthily, without distinguishing the body of the Lord, eats and drinks judgment to himself' (1 Cor. 11:29)" (Council of Trent)
"[To preachers of his order:] 'And in every sermon which you give, admonish the people concerning [the necessity of] penance, and [instruct them] that no one can be saved unless he receive the Body and Blood of the Lord (cf. Jn. 6:54). And when It is sacrificed upon the altar by the priest and carried to any place, let all the people, on bended knee, praise, glorify, and honor the Lord God living and true. And you must announce and preach His praise to all peoples in such a manner that at every hour and whenever the bells are rung, praise, glory, and honor are given to the all-powerful God through all the earth." (St. Francis of Assisi)
"Jesus said to them, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.'" (Jn. 6:53-58) [Note: As Scripture makes clear, reception of the Holy Eucharist is one essential condition for salvation. To be saved, one must also live according to God's laws.]
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Resources for Holy Week & Easter
+ + + Resources For Holy Week + + +
* Good Friday (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Good_Friday.htm
* Lenten Prayers (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lenten_prayers.htm
* Stations of the Cross / Way of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm
* The Passion of Jesus (from the Gospels) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_J.htm
Note: Scroll down page to view (about 1/3 way down page...contains selections on the Passion from all four Gospel accounts)
* Jesus' Last Words From The Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_last_words.htm
* Trials & Sorrows of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/sorrows_of_jesus.htm
* The Passion / Cross Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm
* Holy Week / Indulgence Information - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Stabat Mater (Sequence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_hymns_sequences.htm
* Prayers to Jesus (Prayer in Honor of the Five Wounds, Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Abandonment & Betrayal of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_betrayal.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Passiontide, Spy Wednesday, Triduum / Easter Triduum, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Coloring Page: Jesus Washing Apostle's Feet - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_jesus_washing_feet.htm
* Coloring Page: Last Supper - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_last_supper.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"And plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews." (Mt. 27:29)
"And immediately a cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, 'Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.' He broke down and wept." (Mk. 14:72)
"My divine Savior, what didst Thou become, when for love of souls Thou didst suffer Thyself to be bound to the pillar? Ah! How truly then was fulfilled the word of the Prophet, saying of Thee that from head to foot Thou shouldst be all one wound, so as to be no longer recognizable!" (Lenten Prayer)
"What shame Thou didst endure when they stripped Thee of Thy garments! What torments Thou didst undergo in that tempest of countless blows! In what torrents did Thy Most Precious Blood gush forth from Thy bursting veins!" (Lenten Prayer)
"For this upon the tree of shame, Thy body hung, with arms spread wide, the spear revealed the heart of flame that burned within Thy sacred side." (Second Vespers, Hymn)
"O Jesus, most glorious in your magnificence: I praise and bless your incomprehensible omnipotence, weak and helpless for us in the Passion. I adore and glorify your unsearchable wisdom, accounted foolishness for us. I praise and magnify your unutterable love, which submitted to hatred of all people for the sake of your elect. I praise and extol your meek and gentle mercy, sentenced to so fearful a death for humankind. I praise and I adore your ravishing sweetness, embittered for us by your most bitter death. Amen." (St. Mechtilde)
+ + + Resources For Easter + + +
* Easter (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-easter.htm
* Prayers for Easter - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Easter Duty - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_precepts_of_the_church.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Easter, Easter Duty, Resurrection, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Easter Date - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_councils.htm
* The Resurrection Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_the_resurrection.htm
* Happy Easter Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_happy_easter.htm
* Alleluia Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_alleluia.htm
* He is Risen Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_He_is_risen.htm
* Crossword Puzzle (Easter) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_easter.html
* Word Search Puzzle (Easter) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_easter.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"In thy resurrection, O Christ, alleluia. Let heaven and earth rejoice, alleluia." (Liturgical Year)
"O sing, my tongue, the victory of the glorious combat! Tell how was won the noble triumph on the trophy of the cross, and how the world's Redeemer, when immolated, conquered." (From 6th century hymn)
"Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin; Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein! Let all things seen and unseen their notes of gladness blend, For Christ the Lord hath risen, our Joy that hath no end!" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church)
"While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, 'Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.'" (Lk. 24:4-7)
"Glory be to You, who laid your Cross as a bridge over death, that souls might pass over it from the dwelling of the dead to the dwelling of life." (St. Ephraem the Syrian, Doctor of the Church)
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'A Formal Protestation for Fixing in the Soul a Firm Resolution to Serve God' (Saint Francis de Sales)
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The following is taken from a 19th century publication of St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life". [Notice: We have made some changes to the original text (e.g. capitalization, punctuation & spelling changes, wording change)]
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I the undersigned, placed in the presence of the eternal God, and of the court of heaven, having considered the exceeding mercy of His divine goodness towards me, most unworthy and wretched creature; whom He has created out of nothing, preserved, sustained, and delivered from so many dangers, and loaded with so many benefits. But above all, having considered the incomprehensible gentleness and clemency with which this good God has so graciously spared me in my iniquities, so often and so lovingly inspired me, inviting me to amendment, and so patiently awaited my repentance and conversion until this [__th] year of my age, notwithstanding all my ingratitudes, disloyalties, and infidelities, whereby deferring my conversion, and despising His graces, I have so rashly offended Him: Having moreover considered, that on the day of my holy baptism I was happily and holily vowed and dedicated to my God, to be his child, and that, contrary to the profession then made in my name, I have so greatly and so often, so execrably and detestably profaned and violated my understanding, applying and employing it against His divine Majesty: At length returning to myself, prostrate in heart and mind before the throne of the divine Justice, I acknowledge, confess, and avow my self lawfully attainted and convicted of high treason against His divine Majesty, and guilty of the death and passion of Jesus Christ, by reason of the sins I have committed, for which He died and suffered the torments of the Cross; so that consequently I deserve to be cast away, and damned for ever.
But turning myself toward the throne of the infinite mercy of the same eternal God, having detested with all my heart, and with all the powers of my soul, the transgressions of my past life, I most humbly beg and crave pardon, grace, and mercy, with entire absolution from my offences, by virtue of the death and passion of the same Savior and Redeemer of my soul, resting on which, as the only foundation of my hope, I confirm again, and renew the sacred profession of allegiance made in my behalf to God at my baptism; renouncing the devil, the world, and the flesh, detesting their evil suggestions, vanities, and lusts, for all the time of this present life, and for all eternity. And turning myself to my most gracious and merciful God, I desire, determine, purpose, and resolve irrevocably to serve and love Him now and for ever; and to this end I give, dedicate, and consecrate to Him my spirit, with all its faculties, my soul, with all its powers, my heart, with all its affections, and my body, with all its senses; protesting that I will never more abuse any part of my being against His divine will and sovereign Majesty, to whom I offer up and sacrifice myself in spirit, to be for ever His loyal, obedient, and faithful creature, without ever unsaying, revoking, or repenting this resolution.
But if, alas! through the suggestion of my enemy, or through human frailty, it come to pass that I transgress in anything whatsoever this my vow and resolution, I protest and determine from this very hour, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost, to rise again as soon as I shall perceive my fall, and to return anew to the divine mercy, without any hesitation or delay whatsoever. This is my inviolable and irrevocable will, intention, and resolution, which I ratify and confirm, without reservation or exception, in the same sacred presence of my God, and in the sight of the Church Triumphant, and in the face of the Church Militant, my mother, who hears this my declaration in the person of him who, as her minister, hears me in this act.
May it please thee, O my eternal God, Almighty and all merciful, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to confirm me in this resolution, and to accept this my hearty and inward sacrifice in the odor of sweetness. And as it hath pleased Thee to give me the inspiration and will to do this, so grant me power and grace to perform it. O God, Thou art my God. God of my heart, God of my soul, and God of my spirit; so I acknowledge and adore Thee, now and evermore. Through Christ our Lord.
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Liturgical Feasts in April
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for April as they appear at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/feasts.htm
Note: (T) = Traditional, (N) = New (Novus Ordo)
Reminder: Feasts may be superseded / transferred / etc.
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April 2 - St. Francis of Paula (Paola) (T)
April 2 - St. Francis of Paola (N)
April 4 - St. Isidore of Seville (T)
April 4 - St. Isidore of Seville (N)
April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer (T)
April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer (N)
April 6 - St. Juliana of Cornillon (T)
April 7 - St. John Baptist de la Salle (N)
April 8 - St. Julia Billiart (T)
April 11 - St. Leo the Great, pope (T)
April 11 - St. Stanislaus (N)
April 13 - St. Hermenegild (T)
April 13 - St. Martin I, pope (N)
April 14 - St. Justin (T)
April 14 - Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian & Maximus (T)
April 17 - St. Anicetus, pope (T)
April 21 - St. Anselm of Canterbury (T)
April 21 - St. Anselm (N)
April 22 - Sts. Soter & Caius, popes (T)
April 23 - St. George (T)
April 23 - St. Adalbert (N)
April 23 - St. George (N)
April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (T)
April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (N)
April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist (T)
April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist (N)
April 26 - Our Lady of Good Counsel (T)
April 26 - Sts. Cletus & Marcellinus, popes (T)
April 27 - St. Peter Canisius (T)
April 27 - St. Thuribius of Mogrobejo (T)
April 28 - St. Paul of the Cross (T)
April 28 - St. Vitalis (T)
April 28 - St. Louis Marie de Montfort (N)
April 28 - St. Peter Chanel (N)
April 29 - St. Peter of Verona (T)
April 29 - St. Catherine of Siena (N)
April 30 - St. Catherine of Siena (T)
April 30 - St. Pius V, pope (N)
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, see below and try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_liturgical_calendar.htm . For other feasts, try the MCS Daily Digest each day at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
Also...
4/1/15 - Spy Wednesday
4/2/15 - Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) *
4/3/15 - Good Friday *
4/4/15 - Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) *
4/5/15 - EASTER SUNDAY
4/12/15 - Low Sunday (Quasimodo Sunday) (T) | Divine Mercy Sunday (N) * [Note: For information on the 'Divine Mercy devotion', including a link to the user-submitted article "What's Up With Faustina's Divine Mercy Devotion? Unanswered Questions & Things You May Not Know", please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-divine_mercy.htm ]
4/19/15 - Second Sunday after Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) (T) | Third Sunday of Easter (N)
4/26/15 - Third Sunday after Easter (T) | Fourth Sunday of Easter (N)
* Reminder: Plenary indulgence may be available. For indulgence information, please go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
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'Catholic Trivia'
1. Complete the passage: "God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he demands that ___ because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world with justice' through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
2. Who said...? "And somehow or other those who please the world most who please Christ least."
3. Complete the passage: "To practice justice is a joy for the just, but ___ for ___." (Prov. 21:15)
4. What is the first fruit of prayer?
5. Complete the passage: "The wicked man, spared, ___; in an upright land he acts perversely, and sees not the majesty of the LORD." (Isa. 26:10)
6. Who said...? "The mercy of God is different from the acts of his mercy: the former is infinite, the latter are finite. God is merciful, but he is also just."
7. What does St. Bonaventure say a person who wants to increase in virtue and grace should do?
8. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, is the death penalty murder?
9. What does the Easter Duty refer to?
10. Complete the sentence: "Though God loves the souls in Purgatory, He punishes them because His holiness requires that nothing defiled may enter heaven and His justice requires that everyone be punished or rewarded according to ___." (Baltimore Catechism)
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Answers:
1. "God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he demands that all people everywhere repent because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world with justice' through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
2. St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church
3. "To practice justice is a joy for the just, but terror for evildoers." (Prov. 21:15)
4. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "The first fruit for which we receive is that by praying we honor God, since prayer is a certain act of religion, which is compared in Scripture to a sweet perfume. Let my prayer, says the Prophet, be directed as incense in thy sight. By prayer we confess our subjection to God; we acknowledge and proclaim Him to be the author of all good, in whom alone we center all our hopes, who alone is our refuge, in dangers and the bulwark of our salvation. Of this fruit we are admonished also in these words: Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me (Ps. xlix. 15)"
5. "The wicked man, spared, does not learn justice; in an upright land he acts perversely, and sees not the majesty of the LORD." (Isa. 26:10)
6. St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church
7. "Whosoever wishes to increase always in virtue and grace, should meditate without ceasing of the Passion of Jesus; for nothing conduces more to sanctify a soul than the frequent remembrance of the sufferings of Christ." (St. Bonaventure)
8. No. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "Another kind of lawful slaying belongs to the civil authorities, to whom is entrusted power of life and death, by the legal and judicious exercise of which they punish the guilty and protect the innocent. The just use of this power, far from involving the crime of murder, is an act of paramount obedience to this [Fifth] Commandment which prohibits murder. The end of the [Fifth] Commandment is the preservation and security of human life. Now the punishments inflicted by the civil authority, which is the legitimate avenger of crime, naturally tend to this end, since they give security to life by repressing outrage and violence. Hence these words of David: In the morning I put to death all the wicked of the land, that I might cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord."
9. The Easter Duty refers to the grave obligation to receive Holy Communion at Easter time. "Can. 920 §1 Once admitted to the blessed Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. §2 This precept must be fulfilled during paschal time (the Easter season), unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year." (1983 Code of Canon Law) [Note: Of course, those receiving Holy Communion must be properly disposed and in the state of grace. Any who have committed a mortal sin must first make a sacramental Confession and receive absolution prior to receiving Holy Communion. Remember that "He who receives Communion in mortal sin receives the Body and Blood of Christ, but does not receive His grace, and he commits a great sacrilege." (Baltimore Catechism)]
10. "Though God loves the souls in Purgatory, He punishes them because His holiness requires that nothing defiled may enter heaven and His justice requires that everyone be punished or rewarded according to what he deserves." (Baltimore Catechism)
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For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
Like trivia? You might enjoy our crossword puzzles located at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_crossword_puzzles.htm
You might also be interested in the Q & A and historical information which may be found each day on the MCS Daily Digest at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine?
It is good for Catholics to be able to defend their faith against attacks (or even simple questions) from those outside the Church. We therefore hope you may find the following "apologetics brief" helpful.
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Note: Text below is taken from http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Eucharist_Mass.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine? [Note: Topic is directed at Protestants]
Consider:
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that "anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Cor. 11:29)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that "whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Cor. 11:27)? Certainly if it was mere bread and wine one would not be guilty of the body and blood of Christ!
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that many persons were ill, infirm, and dying specifically because they didn't discern the body (see 1 Cor. 11:30)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, how could it be said to be "a participation in the body of Christ" (1 Cor. 10:16)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say it was his body and his blood (and *not* a symbol or figure)? Why did Christ say that the bread and the contents of the cup would be given up / shed for the forgiveness of sins if the bread and the contents of the cup were only symbolic? How could mere bread and wine attain the forgiveness of sins? How could Christ call mere bread and wine his body and blood? If the bread and wine remained, in substance, along with Christ's body and blood, why did Christ say "is" instead of "contains"?
Mt. 26:26-28 (emphasis added): "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.'"
Mk. 14:22-24 (emphasis added): "While they were eating, [Jesus] took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it; THIS IS MY BODY.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, 'THIS IS MY BLOOD of the covenant, WHICH WILL BE SHED for many.'"
Lk. 22:19-20 (emphasis added): "Then [Jesus] took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN for you; do this in memory of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant IN MY BLOOD, WHICH WILL BE SHED for you.'"
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why did Christ say that "the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world" (Jn. 6:51)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why did the Jews ask "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?" (Jn. 6:52)? If they were mistaken, why didn't Jesus correct them? Why didn't He make the doctrine easier for them to accept? Why did Christ not mention that they shouldn't be taking Him so literally? Why did Christ - who sought unity among his followers - allow a 'misunderstanding' to divide his disciples? Why would Christ let them leave over a simple misunderstanding? Why did Christ not correct this 'misunderstanding', but instead emphasize his 'troubling' doctrine even more strongly (see Jn. 6:53)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you" (Jn. 6:53)? Do you not take Christ at His word?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink" (Jn. 6:55)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (Jn. 6:56)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "the one who feeds on me will have life because of me" (Jn. 6:57)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why does Jesus say that "Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread [that is, the Eucharist] will live forever" (Jn. 6:58)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ's disciples leave Him over this doctrine (see Jn. 6:66)? Do you seriously believe they left Christ over bread? Why is it they knew Christ was speaking literally, but you don't?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ allow these disciples to leave him (see Jn. 6:66)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ ask his apostles if they also wanted to leave Him over this doctrine (see Jn. 6:67)?
* Why is it that Scripture shows that those who rejected the Eucharist were the first to leave Christ - "the first 'protest-ants'", yet you (or your non-Catholic 'Christian' ancestors) have essentially left the Church over the same thing and see no problem with it? Doesn't it concern you that you reject the very thing that many of Christ's disciples rejected - the very disciples that Christ let leave Him (see Jn. 6:66)? Doesn't it bother you that those who rejected this very teaching are referred to in Scripture as the unbelievers (see Jn. 6:64)?
* What exactly is it that you imagine Christ means when He says to do "this" in memory of Him (Lk. 22:19)? Are you implying that "this" means to *pretend* to consume His flesh and blood?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh & blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did the apostles teach this and why did all the earliest Christians believe this? Why were first century Christians charged with cannibalism? [Note: Of course their actions weren't really cannibalistic. Although the Eucharist is Christ's true flesh and blood, It is received sacramentally (as the Apostles received It) under the appearance of bread and wine.]
* Why is it that non-Catholic 'Christians' claim to be saved by 'faith alone', yet have no faith in the teaching of Christ which requires the most faith? Do you not realize that if you reject the Eucharist - Christ's body and blood - you are *directly* rejecting Christ?
* If you question whether the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Eucharist are possible - do you also question the change of water into wine noted in Scripture (see Jn. 2:1-11) and the miraculous increase of bread noted in Scripture (Mt. 14, Mk. 6, Lk. 9, Jn. 6 - one of the limited number of things mentioned in all four Gospels!)? Note that both of these events prefigure the miracle of the Eucharist! Is it that you think Christ couldn't or wouldn't accomplish this marvel (of the Eucharist)? Surely you know that Christ - being God - can do anything, and since Christ tells us He will do this (and lets the unbelievers leave him), why do you not believe that He does what He says?
* Besides the Old Testament manna, are you aware of the many passages of Scripture which foreshadow the Eucharist? Did you realize that Christ was even born in Bethlehem (meaning "House of Bread")?
* Why is it that many non-Catholic 'Christians' reject the Eucharist as being Christ's true flesh and blood, yet Satanists apparently believe that it is (they have been known to steal the Eucharist from Catholic churches for their satanic rituals)? Why is it that Satanists appear to have more 'faith' than those who go by the 'faith alone' theory? Why is it that Satanists - Christ's professed enemies - are known to steal the Eucharist from Catholic churches but are not known for stealing of bread wafers from Protestant 'churches'? Why is it that even our mortal enemies prove the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist yet you do not believe?
* Why do you say that the Eucharist is only a symbol or figure of Christ's body and blood when the Bible never says that it is a symbol or figure - and, in fact, says the very opposite?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why have even animals recognized the presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Why have some animals even shown It reverence? Why have dogs trained to search for human flesh recognized the Eucharist as human flesh?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, how can you account for the numerous - including various scientifically verified and well-documented - miracles concerning the Eucharist (e.g. bleeding Hosts, persons living only on the Eucharist, etc.)?
* Why does Christ tell us that the Eucharist is His flesh and his blood, yet you deny it? Do you imagine that you know better than Christ? If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh, why did Christ say that it is? (Jn. 6:55, Mt. 26:26, Mk. 14:22, Lk. 22:19)
* Do you deny the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Holy Eucharist because you cannot understand how this change can occur or because it is "too difficult to understand"? If so, why do you subject the omnipotent God's truths to your human reasoning? Is it not fair to say that you will only have faith in that which you can understand? Why do you withhold faith in Christ's teachings because you cannot understand them fully? Why is it that you believe that God made Adam from the earth without understanding how this could be, but reject the Eucharist because you cannot understand how it could be?
* Is it possible that you do not believe in the Catholic Church's claims regarding Eucharist not because you cannot see how this doctrine is contained in Scripture, but merely because you simply do not have enough faith?
* Are you troubled by the fact that the Eucharist is sometimes still called "Bread and Wine" even after the consecration? If so, you should know that persons may still refer to It in that way not because they deny the Real Presence, but "because that is what It *appears* to be to the senses. Or it may be called such because that is what it was before the consecration (just as one might refer to a former president still as 'president')."
* Why is it that this element of the Christian religion [the Holy Eucharist] - which truly calls for faith - is one of the major points of disbelief for those in sects who fancy themselves 'saved by faith alone' and push for a 'personal relationship with Jesus'. Is it not fitting that those who deny the only true Church of Christ and claim that they are saved by "faith alone" are the ones who have *no* faith in the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and forgo the most personal relationship with Jesus that is possible? As indicated above, we see in the Gospel that Jesus Himself let those leave Him who could not accept His doctrine concerning the Holy Eucharist.
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"[T]he bread and the wine of the Eucharist before the holy invocation of the adorable Trinity were simple bread and wine, but the invocation having been made, the bread becomes the Body of Christ and the wine the Blood of Christ" (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
"If some have called the bread and wine [symbols] of the Body and blood of the Lord... they said this not after the consecration but before the consecration" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)
"Surely the word of Christ, who could make something that did not exist out of nothing, can change things that do exist into something they were not before. For it is no less extraordinary to give new natures to things than it is to change nature." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church)
"That Bread which you see on the altar, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the Body of Christ. That chalice, or rather, what is in that chalice, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the Blood of Christ." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, c. 5th century A.D.)
"And let all take care that no unbaptized person taste of the Eucharist... For it is the body of Christ to be eaten by them that believe [that is, the Eucharist is not to be eaten by unbelievers] and not to be lightly thought of." (St. Hippolytus, 3rd century A.D.)
"So long as the prayers of supplication and entreaties have not been made, there is only bread and wine. But after the great and wonderful prayers have been completed, then the bread is become the Body, and the wine the Blood, of our Lord Jesus Christ" (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, c. 373 A.D.)
"He Himself, therefore, having declared and said of the Bread, 'This is My Body,' who will dare any longer to doubt? And when He Himself has affirmed and said, 'This is My Blood,' who can ever hesitate and say it is not His Blood?" (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
"As to the truth of the Flesh and Blood there is no room left for doubt. For both from the declaration of the Lord Himself and from our own faith, it is truly Flesh and truly Blood. And when These are eaten and drunk, it is brought to pass that we are both in Christ and Christ in us." (St. Hilary of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"The Lord did not say: This is a symbol of My Body, and this is a symbol of My blood but: This is My Body and My Blood. He teaches us not to look to the nature of those things which lie before us and are perceived by the senses, for by the prayer of thanksgiving and the words spoken over them, they have been changed into Flesh and Blood." (Theodore of Mopsuestia, as quoted by Pope Paul VI)
"Christ did this to bring us to a closer bond of friendship, and to signify His love toward us, giving Himself to those who desire Him, not only to behold Him, but also to handle Him, to eat Him, to embrace Him with the fullness of their whole heart. Therefore as lions breathing fire do we depart from that Table, rendered objects of terror to the devil." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"Before it be consecrated it is bread; but where the words of Christ come in, it is the Body of Christ. Finally, hear Him saying: 'All of you take and eat of this; for this is My Body.' And before the words of Christ the chalice is full of wine and water; but where the words of Christ have been operative it is made the Blood of Christ, which redeems the people." (St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, c. 390 A.D.)
"It is clear, therefore, that the Virgin gave birth contrary to the order of nature. And this Body which we consecrate is from the Virgin; why do you seek the natural order here in the case of the Body of Christ, when the Lord Jesus Himself was born of the Virgin contrary to nature? It was certainly the true flesh of Christ which was crucified, which was buried; truly, therefore, the Sacrament is a sacrament of that flesh." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration, and is thereby living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, is both the flesh and blood of that incarnated Jesus." (St. Justin the Martyr, c. 148-161 A.D.)
"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. For love they have no care, nor for the widow, nor for the orphan, nor for the distressed, nor for those in prison or freed from prison, nor for the hungry and thirsty. They abstain from the Eucharist and prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, Flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in His goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes... It is right to shun such men, and not even to speak about them, neither in public nor in private." (St. Ignatius of Antioch, c. 110 A.D.) [Note: Notice the date of this quotation - c. 110 A.D.]
"The Body is truly united to divinity, the Body which was from that of the Holy Virgin; not that the Body which was taken up comes back down from heaven, but that the bread itself and the wine are made over into the Body and Blood of God. If you inquire into the way in which this happens, let it suffice for you to hear that it is through the Holy Spirit, just as it was through the Holy Spirit that the Lord took on Himself from the Holy Mother of God the flesh that subsisted in Himself. More than this we do not know, except that the word of God is true and effective and all powerful... For those who partake worthily and with faith, it is for the remission of sins and for life everlasting, and a safeguard to soul and body... The bread and wine are not a type of the Body and Blood of Christ - perish the thought! - but the deified Body Itself of the Lord, since the Lord Himself has said, 'This is My Body'. He did not say a type of His body, but His Body; nor a type of His Blood, but His Blood" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)
"Whoever turns over the pages of the holy Fathers will easily perceive that on this doctrine (of transubstantiation) they have been at all times unanimous. St. Ambrose says: You say, perhaps, 'this bread is no other than what is used for common food.' True, before consecration it is bread; but no sooner are the words of consecration pronounced than from bread it becomes the flesh of Christ. To prove this position more clearly, he elucidates it by a variety of comparisons and examples, In another place, when explaining these words of the Psalmist, Whatsoever the Lord pleased he hath done in heaven and on earth, St. Ambrose says: Although the species of bread and wine are visible, yet we must believe that after consecration, the body and blood of Christ are alone there. Explaining the same doctrine almost in the same words, St. Hilary says that although externally it appear bread and wine, yet in reality it is the body and blood of the Lord." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"...it can be clearly seen that the true body and blood of our Lord are contained in the Eucharist. The Apostle, after having recorded the consecration of bread and wine by our Lord, and also the administration of Communion to the Apostles, adds: But let a man prove himself, and so eat of that bread and drink of the chalice; for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. If, as heretics continually repeat, the Sacrament presents nothing to our veneration but a memorial and sign of the Passion of Christ, why was there need to exhort the faithful, in language so energetic to prove themselves? By the terrible word judgment, the Apostle shows how enormous is the guilt of those who receive unworthily and do not distinguish from common food the body of the Lord concealed in the Eucharist. In the same Epistle St. Paul had already developed this doctrine more fully, when he said: The chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? and the bread which we break, is it not the participation of the body of the Lord? Now these words signify the real substance of the body and blood of Christ the Lord.... [Furthermore, we may consult] the Fathers who flourished in the early ages of the Church and in each succeeding century, who are the most unexceptionable witnesses of her doctrine. All of these teach in the clearest terms and with the most entire unanimity the truth of this dogma. To adduce the individual testimony of each Father would prove an endless task..." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
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In Closing...
"O Jesus, most glorious in your magnificence: I praise and bless your incomprehensible omnipotence, weak and helpless for us in the Passion. I adore and glorify your unsearchable wisdom, accounted foolishness for us. I praise and magnify your unutterable love, which submitted to hatred of all people for the sake of your elect. I praise and extol your meek and gentle mercy, sentenced to so fearful a death for humankind. I praise and I adore your ravishing sweetness, embittered for us by your most bitter death. Amen." (St. Mechtilde)
"Here learn the science of the saints: All is to be found in the passion of Jesus." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"Eternal Wisdom, on the one hand, wished to prove his love for man by dying in his place in order to save him, but on the other hand, he could not bear the thought of leaving him. So he devised a marvelous way of dying and living at the same time, and of abiding with man until the end of time. So, in order to fully satisfy his love, he instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist and went to the extent of changing and overturning nature itself." (St. Louis de Montfort)
"Let Him be fixed deep in your heart, who for you was fastened to the cross" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"History bears witness that the virtues of the Christian life have flourished best wherever and whenever the frequent reception of the Eucharist has most prevailed. And on the other hand it is no less certain that in days when men have ceased to care for this heavenly bread, and have lost their appetite for it, the practice of Christian religion has gradually lost its force and vigor." (Pope Leo XIII, "Mirae Caritatis", 1902 A.D.)
"[T]o the Holy Eucharist we owe the future resurrection of our bodies. Our Savior himself teaches us this, where he says: 'Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the Bread which cometh down from heaven, that if any man eat of it, he may not die... He that eateth my Flesh, and drinketh my Blood, hath everlasting life, and I will raise him up in the last day (Jn. 5:49,50,55).'" (Dom Gueranger)
"We belong not to ourselves now, since Christ has bought us 'at a great price' [His blood] (1 Cor. 6:20)" (Pope Pius XI)
Easter Prayer: O God, who on this day through Thine only-begotten Son hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; do Thou follow with Thine aid the desires which Thou dost put into our minds and by Thy continual help bring the same to good effect. Through the same Lord. (Collect)
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