Do Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

Short answers:

1 Yes, Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, where the bread and wine become His Body and Blood.

Medalius

2 Transubstantiation is the process by which the Church teaches that the bread and wine are transformed into the substance of Christ's Body and Blood.

Medalius

Advanced answer:

1

Yes, we Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This belief is one of the pillars of our faith and is expressed in various parts of the Church's tradition. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the true presence of Christ, accessible to all the faithful.

The reality that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ is called transubstantiation. This is a profound mystery that we accept by faith. During the celebration of the Mass, the priest pronounces the words of Jesus: "This is my body" and "This is my blood," as reported in Luke 22:19-20. This transformation is not perceivable by the senses.

Medalius

Illustrating

Visual Complement

Images selected to facilitate understanding of the aspects covered in this content.

What is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

Catholics believe that, in the Eucharist, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, a mystery called transubstantiation. This belief is grounded in Jesus' words: "This is my body... this is my blood" (Luke 22:19-20) and affirmed by the Church's tradition.

1

Testimonies of the Early Christians and Church Fathers

Since the early centuries, saints like Ignatius of Antioch and Augustine have affirmed the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, highlighting the value of this sacrament as spiritual nourishment sustaining the faith. Apostolic tradition preserves this belief in the true nature of the sacrament.

2

Eucharistic Miracles: Signs of the Real Presence

Miracles such as that of Lanciano reinforce Catholics' faith in the Eucharist. In the 8th century, a priest witnessed the transformation of the bread and wine into flesh and blood during the Mass, a tangible proof of Christ's presence in the sacrament.

3

References

CARTA ENCÍCLICA ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA 15.: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/pt/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_eccl-de-euch.html
CIC 1407
CIC 1396
CIC 1355
CIC 1402
CIC 1360
CIC 1323
CIC 1325
CIC 1362
CIC 1333
John 6:51: Jesus declares Himself "the living bread" and offers His flesh for the life of the world.
John 6:53-56: Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Christ gives eternal life.
Matthew 26:26-28: At the Last Supper, Jesus identifies the bread and wine with His body and blood.
Mark 14:22-24: Jesus institutes the Eucharist, offering His body and blood to the disciples.
Luke 22:19-20: Jesus commands: "Do this in memory of Me," instituting the Eucharist.

Note of Submission to the Catholic Church

The answers and information available on this site aim to address doubts, questions, topics, and issues related to the Catholic faith. These answers may be provided both by our team and by other users authorized to contribute content to the platform.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church, we acknowledge that errors in interpretation or presentation may occur. If you identify any answer or content that is not in line with the official teachings of the Church, we kindly ask you to inform us. We are committed to reviewing and promptly correcting any errors that are identified.

We understand that fidelity to the Church’s doctrine is fundamental, and for this reason, we value users' collaboration in maintaining the integrity of the content presented.

We thank you for your understanding and commitment to the Catholic faith.

Do Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

Visual Complement

What is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

Testimonies of the Early Christians and Church Fathers

Eucharistic Miracles: Signs of the Real Presence

References

Explore other tools and services.