April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, a time to reflect on the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. This month invites us to deepen our love for the Eucharist, grow in devotion, and draw closer to Christ, who offers Himself to us as the Bread of Life.
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist is commemorated on Holy Thursday, during the Last Supper, when Jesus took bread and wine and declared, “This is My Body... This is My Blood” (Matthew 26:26-28). As Catholics, we believe that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist - Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Receiving the Eucharist nourishes our souls and strengthens our relationship with God.
Ways to Grow in Eucharistic Devotion
- Attend Daily Mass – If possible, try to attend Mass an extra day each week and receive Jesus with a heart full of faith and gratitude.
- Spend Time in Adoration – Spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, simply being in the presence of Jesus. Even if you can only manage a short time, know that even a few moments with Him can bring peace to your heart.
- If you struggle with believing in the True Presence of the Eucharist, pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24), and ask God to strengthen your faith.
- Read and meditate on John 6: In this chapter, Jesus reveals Himself as the Bread of Life, calling us to believe in His real presence.
- Pray an extra decade of the rosary, meditating on the Institution of the Eucharist (the 5th Luminous mystery).
- Consecrate yourself and your family to the Eucharist using the book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory by Matthew Kelly. Our family did this a couple of years ago with my husband reading a chapter each night and at the end of the book, we all prayed the prayer of consecration together. I found this experience very powerful and helped to increase my love and reverence for the Eucharist.
- Read about Eucharistic Miracles: Blessed Carlo Acutis researched and documented many Eucharistic miracles around the world on his website.
- Offer Acts of Reparation: Make small sacrifices or acts of love in atonement for offences against the Blessed Sacrament.
Recommended Books on the Eucharist:
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- Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist - by Brant Pitre
- 7 Secrets of the Eucharist - by Vinny Flynn
- Eucharistic Miracles - by Joan Carroll Cruz
- For the children: Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids - by Kathryn Griffin Swegart OFS
A devotional companion for April:
If you’d like a physical reminder of the Holy Eucharist in your daily prayer, you will find several rosaries in the Marian Graces store featuring the Eucharist on the centre medal.
If you enjoy quiet reflections on the liturgical year, family prayer, and living the faith at home, you’re invited to join my Marian Graces newsletter. Each week I share reflections, devotional ideas, and resources to support your prayer life and family faith.