As Catholics around the United States prepare for the National Eucharistic Congress, we want to help stir in you a deeper (or new!) love for the Blessed Sacrament. You'll hear more about the Eucharistic Congress in the coming weeks, but as we begin, we've asked members of the parish staff to help. Each week in June and July, St. Columbkille staff members will suggest something inspirational for you to check out - a podcast or video, a scripture passage, or maybe a song or short article. The suggestions will be simple, easily accessible for all, and - we hope - inspirational.
Week 1: Kara Wesely, Director of Development
"When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now." -St. Teresa of Calcutta
Week 2: Nicole Cook, Director of Mission
"Those who know me will not be surprised that I'm going to share a song. Those who know me a little better will be even less surprised that it's a Matt Maher song! I could name any number of Maher's songs as inspiring, but on his 2013 album, "All the People Said Amen" there is a song titled Burning In My Soul that has always made me think of a great Holy Hour or Mass. As I listened to it again and the lyrics spoke of revival, I realized this is the one I needed to share as we prepare for this summer's Eucharistic Revival and Congress. I hope it stirs something in your soul, too!"
Week 3: Deb Williss, Communication Coordinator
I am a very visual person. Seeing things helps me to understand them more clearly and deeply. When my sister introduced me to the video “The Veil Removed,” I had a profound experience of understanding the Eucharist on a whole new level.
This short film, only 5 minutes and 23 seconds, unveils the convergence of heaven and earth during Mass, as witnessed by saints and mystics, supported by scripture and the catechism of the Catholic Church. It seeks to enhance understanding and participation in the Eucharist through its captivating portrayal of the miraculous beauty in Catholic Mass.
“While researching about how Heaven and Earth come together during the Mass for their radio show Catholic Women Now, hosts, (Iowans) Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson, came across information revealing several saints who experienced heavenly visions during the Mass.
After presenting a radio segment on “How Heaven and Earth come together during the Mass,” Chris attended Mass. During the transubstantiation, Chris felt the Lord calling her to “show the world” what they would see during every Mass, if the veil was removed. Following Mass, the excitement of this potential project began to reveal itself. And so “The Veil Removed” began.” Source: https://theveilremoved.com/
In addition to the video, the website has additional resources to help people draw closer to Jesus in the Eucharist. It is definitely something to check out.
Week 4: David Batter, Liturgy & Music Coordinator
The National Eucharistic Revival held a music contest in early 2023 to encourage the composition of new Eucharistic hymns. There were two winners!
The first is a hymn text titled "Let the Earth Acclaim," written by hymn writer Kathleen Pluth. The poetic meter of this text allows it to be sung to several familiar hymn tunes. More information on Kathleen can be found on her website kathleenpluth.com.
The second winner was a newly composed piece chosen as the revival's theme song titled "We Do Believe, O Lord," by Diane Mahoney.
A nice article on both composers from the Catholic News Agency: www.catholicnewsagency.com
Sound recordings and printed music can be found at: www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/sheet-music-available-for-new-eucharistic-hymns
Week 5: Fr. Patrick Moser, Associate Pastor
When I went to Italy last fall, our first destination was the city of Lanciano, the place of a Eucharistic miracle dating to the year AD 750. A description of the event is given: "A monastic priest doubted whether the Body of Our Lord was truly present in the consecrated Host. He celebrated Mass and when he said the words of consecration, he saw the host turn into Flesh and the Wine turn into Blood. Everything was visible to those in attendance."
In 1970, Dr. Edward Linoli was allowed to do a scientific examination on the relics of the miracle, and a 1973 World Health Organization study corroborated his findings. A brief summary of those findings, and more on the miracle, is given on the website developed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, miracolieucaristici.org, under "Lanciano."
Our Catholic faith teaches us that Jesus makes himself present in every Mass, changing the bread and wine into his Flesh and Blood through the words he spoke at the Last Supper. In our age, we are often dominated by a scientistic mindset which demands physical evidence for everything, even spiritual realities. We can be tempted to doubt what we do not see, but Eucharistic miracles remind us of the truth of Jesus' Real Presence and inspire us to believe in what we get to experience at every Mass, whether we see it or not. "Faith will tell us Christ is present / When our human senses fail." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Tantum Ergo)
Week 5: Brandi Redburn & Sarah Foreman, St. Columbkille School Principal and Assistant Principal
We are constantly inspired by the wonder and awe that children have for Jesus and the Eucharist. Their simple faith and openness to growing a relationship with Him is so special. Children are not worried about making a mistake; their innocence is a beautiful thing. Experiencing the miracle of the Eucharist through the eyes of children is a daily reminder for us to seek that same curiosity and desire for the absolute miracle of the Holy Eucharist.
“The Christian life needs to be nourished by attentive listening to God’s word and, above all, by the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Lord in Eucharistic adoration, the privileged “place” for our encounter with God.” ~Pope Francis
Week 6: Suzanne Brown, Religious Education Coordinator
Praying before receiving the eucharist is important as it allows us to slow down and realize the gift that we receive at each mass. I value praying before reception of the Eucharist. Praying this prayer or a similar prayer, helps me to focus on this gift and prepare my heart to receive the graces from God. An excellent quote to consider is this, from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen , "The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host."
Week 7: Marlo Monico, Adult Formation Coordinator
Step 1: Sit comfortably with hands open on your lap or kneel as long as you're comfortable.
Step 2: Breathe in “Je”, “Holy, or “Ya”, then breath out “Sus”, “Spirit” or “Weh”. Any short mantra will do.
Step 3: Be still and silent with your Lord. Say or think nothing, just breathe.
Now, I am someone with lots of thoughts, so thinking nothing seemed to be unobtainable. Chris gently instructed me to start with 5 minutes, then over time increase incrementally. I have found this very simple process to be my foundation every time I come to adoration. The silence is humbling, life giving and peaceful. Many times, I have received clarity because of it.
It’s important circle back to how I once prayed in adoration. Was it wrong? Absolutely not! At that time, this was the only way I knew how to pray and I found solace in giving a voice to all that I carried on my heart.
However, what I didn’t have at the time was FAITH in the Lord to know all that was on my heart and TRUST in God’s will over my own will. Psalm 139 revealed God’s infinite knowing of me. The 1st four lines say so much: “Lord, you probed me, you know me: you know when I sit or stand (or kneel); you understand my thoughts from afar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all.”
I invite you to consider spending time with our Lord in adoration in whatever way you find fulfilling!
