How to Find Meaning and Fulfillment in a Joyous Eucharistic Revival

Approximately , individuals identifying as Utah Catholics congregated on July th at the Mountain America Exposition Center in Sandy for the Diocesan Eucharistic Rally and Mass. Originating from various locations such as Logan, St. George, Tooele, Vernal, Salt Lake, along with other parishes and missions across the state, this gathering served as the culmination of the diocesan phase of the three-year Eucharistic Revival organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The principal aim of this revival, as stated by eucharisticrevival.org, is to rekindle our reverence and comprehension towards the profound mystery embodied in the United States’ worship of Jesus Christ through the Eucharist.

graced us with in the annals of our diocese’s history. I extend my utmost appreciation to each and every one of you for joining us on this momentous occasion, expressed Father Christopher Gray, the designated individual overseeing the Eucharistic Revival within our diocese. His profound sentiments were conveyed both in the English and Spanish languages. Leading the opening prayer was Bishop Oscar A. Solis, accompanied by Deacon George Reade, the esteemed diocesan chancellor. The attendance was so overwhelming that all the chairs in the room were occupied, and additional individuals stood against the walls, as they embarked on the worship service by melodiously chanting the hymn We Are the Body of Christ in both English and Spanish.

The bishop expressed the significance of gathering as a united faith community, brimming with jubilation and fervor for the Eucharist, wherein we come face to face with the living presence – the genuine presence – of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This occasion instills delight in all Catholics residing in Utah, as it marks a momentous event wherein we honor the Holy Eucharist as the foundation and pinnacle of our Christian existence and worship. We rejoice in understanding the true essence of being a Eucharistic congregation and commemorate the way in which the Eucharist manifests the intimate connection that God shares with each individual among us.

Perseverating on the topic, it is crucial to bear in mind that the Eucharist is not solely an entity we receive, but rather one that we embody. Assuming this sacred act with unwavering belief, the Eucharist has the power to metamorphose our lives into a divine offering to both God and our fellow human beings. The event featured renowned speakers from across the nation, various opportunities for individuals to engage in the sacrament of confession and devoted worship of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as a teenage assembly and a designated family area brimming with activities catering to the younger attendees. The day was culminated by a Mass led by Bishop Solis. It is worth mentioning that the English-speaking speakers included Bishop Daniel E. Flores hailing from Brownsville, Texas.

to experience the sacredness and transformative power of communion, stated Bishop Daniel E. Flores, distinguished member of the Episcopal Committee, during his speech. Timothy O’Malley, esteemed director of education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and academic director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, also delivered a compelling address. It is noteworthy that Bishop Flores eloquently expressed his thoughts in Spanish, catering to the diverse audience present. Additionally, José Antonio Medina, a respected educator at the University of St. Thomas in Texas and Loyola University in Los Angeles, addressed the Spanish-speaking community. All the presentations commanded such great interest that the venue was packed to capacity. Due to medical advice recommending against travel, Bishop Flores regrettably had to participate through Zoom. Undoubtedly, the celebration of the Eucharist serves as an open invitation to partake in the profound and transformative essence of communion.

In his discourse entitled The Eucharist as Participation in the Work of Christ, Bishop Flores articulated the significance of engaging in a communion with Christ’s life. He underscored the virtue of charity, asserting that it holds the fundamental essence for grasping the profundity of the Lord’s benevolence when he conveys his presence and involvement during the Eucharistic celebration and sacrifice. Within the confines of the church, charity is defined as a specific manifestation of love. Christ exemplified charity not solely through the Eucharistic practice but also through his teachings and the symbolic act of washing.

In Summary

In conclusion, the celebration of the Eucharist showcased a remarkable display of inclusivity and unity, as Bishop Flores, José Antonio Medina, and Father David Alvarez eloquently expressed their thoughts and addressed the diverse audience, both in person and virtually. Despite the limitations imposed by circumstances, the event was a resounding success, with the venue reaching maximum capacity. The profound and transformative essence of communion was palpable throughout the ceremony, reminding us that it is not just a sacrament for the faithful, but an open invitation for all to partake in and experience its transformative power.