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April – Month of the Holy Eucharist
It was St. Pope John Paul II who, in 2003, dedicated April as the Month of the Holy Eucharist. The proximity of the feast of Holy Thursday coupled with the Easter Season, inspired the Pontiff to place this Mystery more prominently before us during this Month.
I’ve been on my fair share of tours around the future campus of Chesterton Academy of St. Serra (CASS). The experience never gets old for me. The Parish of Santa Maria boasts picturesque grounds terraced on a hillside. Each tour begins at the doorway of the Church and ushers the tour guide and her entourage up and up…and up, to see the classrooms and gathering spaces! Besides the physical exercise such a site provides, it is also expressive of our Chesterton Vision of striving joyfully upwards for Excellence for God’s Glory.
On the first level, the tour begins in the heart of it all, in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord, silently and lovingly present in Santa Maria’s impressive parish church. It is from that sacred space that the tour continues up to the other areas of the school. Francesca Parini, our CASS board president, wastes no time telling our guests that her tour begins at the very core of our Chesterton enterprise – in the presence of the Eucharistic Jesus. From this place with Christ, we will go “up and up…and up” in every aspect of life!
How blessed our Chesterton students will be not only to have a team of devoted faculty, but they will spend time every day with the Divine Teacher Himself in the Holy Eucharist.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Holy Eucharist is called the “Blessed Sacrament” and the “Sacrament of sacraments” because in the Holy Eucharist Jesus is contained, offered and received.
Here are a few tips to help you grow in your Devotion to the Holy Eucharist this month.
Make an extra effort to attend Mass more prayerfully. Take a few moments to prepare for the Eucharistic celebration.
Make a good confession to dispose yourself better for the graces of Holy Communion
Take time every week to spend in Eucharistic Adoration. While you are there ponder the scripture verses exemplifying the Holy Eucharist. Some examples are, John 6:53, Matt.26:26, 1Cor. 11:26
Dedicate a few extra moments to make a more fitting Thanksgiving after Holy Mass and Communion this Month
Read the life of a Saint who is particularly devoted to the Holy Eucharist – St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Francisco Marto, St. Margaret Mary, St. Carlos Acutis to name a few!
“No human tongue can enumerate the favors that trace back to the Sacrifice of the Mass. The sinner is reconciled with God; the just man becomes more upright; sins are wiped away; vices are uprooted; virtue and merit increase; and the devil’s schemes are frustrated.” St. Lawrence Justinian
May we be renewed in our devotion to the Holy Eucharist this Month!
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us!
Thanksgiving Prayer after Holy Communion
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Your wounds, hide me.
Separated from you, let me never be.
From evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
and close to you, bid me.
That with your saints, I may be.
Praising you forever and ever. Amen.
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