Bishop’s Blog: Centering Ourselves on the Eucharist - Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River

Fev

2024

The Diocese of Fall River is celebrating 120 years as a diocese in 2024, while our nation, Diocese, and parishes continue to participate in the National Eucharistic Revival. This revival is designed to bring us back to our connection with Jesus Christ, present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist.

As a young seminarian, while in the novitiate, every night before turning in, I would spend time in the chapel in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I did that throughout my seminary formation, and when I took my vows as a religious in the Society Of Divine Vocations, I did so under the name Edgar of the Holy Eucharist. Remaining physically close to the Eucharist continues to be part of my priestly vocation, finding comfort and strength in the blessing of having a Eucharist chapel in my bishop’s residence. One of my greatest joys as a priest is celebrating Mass with the people of the Diocese.

The Eucharist needs to be at the center of all our lives. We are living in a world that is facing so many challenges and troubles. Only through Jesus’ help, especially through the grace of the Eucharist, can we find the guidance, assistance, and strength to navigate ourselves and our families through the ups and downs of life.

Jesus and the Eucharist

Throughout our Diocese, we are carrying on parish Eucharistic formations. It is my hope that each parish will offer some form of catechesis on the Eucharist by the end of summer. Many parishes have already begun to offer the Jesus and the Eucharist series prepared by the USCCB’s National Eucharistic Revival movement. While parishes can find other programs or resources to share more about the Eucharist, I recommend this free, easy-to-implement, well-done program. You can learn more on the EucharistRevival.org website.

Diocesan Eucharist Retreat Day

Finally, I am excited to extend to you an invitation to join me on September 7th for a diocesan-wide gathering at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. An opportunity to come together and pray, reflect, and, most importantly, worship Jesus in the Eucharist.

The day will offer dynamic and inspiring presentations in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. I am certain this day, these presentations, and especially our time together in prayer around the Eucharist, will have a significant impact on our lives, in our families and parishes, and across our entire Diocese.

For more information, please visit our website.