This weekend, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi. This celebration is held to honour the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharistic elements, and that each time we receive the Eucharist, even if we only receive under one species, we receive the full Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, which the Eucharistic elements contain.
Belief in the Real Presence is central to our Catholic Faith. That is why we profess that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. All Christian spirituality and graces flow from the Eucharist, and all Christian activity is directed back to the Eucharist. All of the other Sacraments that we celebrate are oriented toward the Eucharist, and towards Christ, our Divine Head.
We recognize these truths each time the Mass is celebrated. On the Feast of Corpus Christi, however, we call them to mind in a special way. That is why many Churches throughout the world will hold Eucharistic Processions to mark this feast, as we are doing this weekend. These professions serve as a public witness of our belief in the Real Presence and represent an act of invoking Christ’s blessings on the world. This is symbolized by the Priest imparting the Eucharistic Benediction at various times during the procession.
We are living in a time in which faith in the Real Presence has declined. There is an increasing tendency to view the Eucharist as a mere symbol, and to ignore the words of our Lord when he tells us that his flesh is true food, and his blood is true drink. It is in times like these that we as Catholics are called to witness more boldly to the truth of our Faith, and show by our actions that we truly believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
For many weeks now, many of you have been asking about Fr. Maurice’s replacement. I am pleased to share with you that the Diocese has appointed Fr. Christian Ogbonna, SDV, a member of the Vocationist Community, to be our new Associate Pastor. Fr. Christian is fluent in English, Italian, French, and his own Nigerian language. He is coming to us after completing an assignment in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and his appointment takes effect on August 31, 2023. To fill in the gaps until Fr. Christian arrives, you may see some different faces, as our retired Priests from the area help to fill in for our Masses. I am grateful for their help during this time of transition!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB