Most Catholics in the know, have heard or read the disturbing surveys and polls (Pew research and others) regarding the sad state of belief -- or disbelief -- in the Real Presence (a Dogma of the Catholic Faith), which is that the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Christ our Lord when the priest performs the consecration...
Those surveys of church-going Catholics reveal that a mere 31 percent believe in the Real Presence after the priest consecrates the bread and wine (the "accidents" of the bread and wine remain, but the substances are changed...) This shocking revelation is another indication of poor catechesis over the last several decades, especially after Vatican II. But then the question begs: what was or is the source of that poor catechesis?
Was, or is it an attempt to water-down Church teaching in order not to offend Protestants, and to be more "inclusive" in what Catholics ultimately believe, thereby enticing those outside the Church to come into the Ark?
Maybe, that's not the way to do it. Appeasement never works, only truth wins out in the long run. Persevering Catholics adhere to those "hard sayings" that others, within the Church, sadly reject. This has led to a real diabolical disorientation and is reflected in the above-mentioned surveys and polls...
One of the consequences of disbelief, is that a majority of those who claim to be Catholic, believe that those sins that cry to Heaven for vengeance should be accepted; i.e., contraception; abortion; and yes, even homosexual "marriage"! I should note that even Martin Luther (who spearheaded the 16th Century revolt against the Catholic Church), condemned contraception as vicious and filthy! Where is the "faith" of Luther among "Catholics" today??
To deceive even the Elect...
But there is a move afoot in the Diocese of Allentown, PA, by the local ordinary: Bishop Alfred Schlert, has initiated a celebration of the “Year of the Real Presence"...
The Bishop said this: “This year will be an opportunity for all of us to rededicate ourselves to Christ’s Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, the center of our diocesan life,” Bishop Schlert said. “In addition, as the pandemic slowly lifts, it will be a time for people to return to Mass to be ‘really present’ with their family, friends, parishioners, and clergy,” he said.
Jesus is present to us in many ways, but only in the Holy Eucharist is He uniquely present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This is the “Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
Let us hope that the actions of Bishop Schlert's efforts to bring Catholics back to Mass and reestablish the Dogma of the Real Presence in the hearts and minds of his flock, will bring many spiritual dividends... While this is a preferred outcome for this new outreach, it is also an essential requirement for all Catholics in order to attain salvation!
The Holy Eucharist: the source and summit of the Catholic Faith!
Pray for strength and honor!
Viva Cristo Rey! Bl. Fr. Miguel Pro, pray for us...
Gene DeLalla
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