8 Sessions About EUCHARISTIC SAINTS Contents

8 Sessions about EUCHARISTIC SAINTS

Contents St Alphonsus ...... 2 St Irenaeus ...... 15 St John Neumann ...... 28 St Juliana ...... 35 St Katharine Drexel ...... 41 Pope Saint Paul VI ...... 51 St Peter Julian Eymard ...... 59 St Thomas Aquinas ...... 69

The Year of the Eucharist St Alphonsus

Event Saint Alphonsus Event Category Saint Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Alphonsus and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event. Length of Time Needed Option 1: 20-30 minutes for the Saint portion (for the whole evening, which also includes a hymn, 1 hour, or if a meal or snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours) Option 2: 1 hour, if focusing solely on the Saint in an extended version, or, if a meal and snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours. Schedule of the Event This event could be done in 2 parts: first a Saint presentation, followed by a Hymn presentation, as outlined below. Or, you could extend part 1 and spend the whole time on the Saint, with fellowship and food. • Meal, with the whole community (optional, 30-45 minutes) • Part 1: Saint presentation & activity (20-30 minutes) • Break • Part 2: Hymn presentation (found in the Hymns section of the resources, 20-30 minutes) • Gather the whole community in the chapel for a testimony (5-7 minutes) • Closing prayer and blessing (5 minutes) • Snacks and fellowship (optional, and possible alternative to a meal, 15-30 minutes) Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints. Age level(s) Whole Community Review NA Preparation Opening prayer Proclamation St. Alphonsus was a Doctor of the Church, encouraged visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and witnessed a Eucharistic Miracle. Explanation Share St. Alphonsus’ story, using the attached script. Optionally, you could have someone dress up as St. Alphonsus and tell his story in the first person and answer questions. Application Attached Craft project: • Option 1: Eucharistic Miracle Monstrance Craft • Option 2: Journal Covers Other optional activities are attached. Celebration Closing prayer – you might use St. Alphonsus’ Spiritual Communion: “Spiritual Communion.” My Jesus, I believe you are really here in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love you more than anything in the world, and I hunger to feed on your body. But since I cannot receive Communion at this moment, feed my soul at least spiritually. I unite myself to you now as I do when I actually receive you. Never let me be parted from you. http://www.redemptorists.co.uk/news/news-items/180-the-eucharist-and- saint-alphonsus.html

• If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer. Vocabulary Resources Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish Supplies needed Bishop costume for St. Alphonsus (if he is being impersonated) Map of Italy? Sample craft project Option 1: Eucharistic Miracle Monstrance Craft (found in attachments) Print out of outside of card (1/card) Print out of inside of card (1/3 per card) Scissors (1/participant) Brad (1/card)

Option 2: Decorate Journal Cover (found in attachments) 8page Alphonsus prayer booklet pattern 1/participant OR Journal Decorations for journal

Handouts needed Craft pieces found in attachments

Volunteers needed Leader Man to impersonate St. Alphonsus Assistants to help with craft (optional) Advance preparation Bishop costume for St. Alphonsus (if he is being impersonated) Sample craft project made and displayed

Option 1: Eucharistic Miracle Monstrance Craft We are going to create a card to remember the Miracle of Scala which Saint Alphonsus witnessed. It also includes the “Spiritual Communion” prayer. Eucharistic Miracle Monstrance Craft outside

Eucharistic Miracle Monstrance Craft inside

Option 2: Decorate Journal Cover Because Saint Alphonsus’ encourages visits to the Blessed Sacrament and wrote about his visits, we are going to create/decorate journals, which you may use to record your visits to the Blessed Sacrament or your reflections during prayer.

8 page prayer booklet (can create a blank one or use the 8page Alphonsus prayer booklet pattern shown below.) Directions: Mountain-fold page lengthwise along dash-dotted line like a hot dog bun (includes solid black line) then unfold. Mountain-fold along dash dotted line in half widthwise like a hamburger bun and leave folded. Valley-fold each of the two loose ends back up to the fold (dashed lines will be inside the fold and page would look like a “w” viewed from the edge.) Open last two folds (back to hamburger fold). Cut solid black line. Grasp the hamburger fold (one side of the cut in each hand) and separate the cut (bringing the outsides together at the bottom), which will cause the original hot dog fold to fold (creates a + when viewed from the top.) Mountain fold the front and back to the outside of the booklet as all the other pages are eased into place inside the booklet.

Another idea for a journal, but there are many other possibilities. Encourage your classroom students to write down their thoughts and feelings with a journal they create all on their own. These DIY crafts make a wonderful activity for showing kids how fun it is to write every day. These 25-page journals come with an imitation leather cover and cord lacing. 5" x 7" Makes 12. © OTC

Oriental Trading DIY Journals Craft Kit #48/6771

$ 14.49 Makes 12

You Come Down from the Stars https://www.mamalisa.com/blog/italian-christmas-song-tu-scendi-dalle-stele-you-come-down-from-the-stars-2/

(English) You come down from the stars Tu scendi dalle stelle Oh King of Heavens, (Italian) Tu scendi dalle stelle And you come in a cave O Re del Cielo In the cold, in the frost. And you come in a cave E vieni in una grotta In the cold, in the frost. Al freddo al gelo. Oh my Divine Baby E vieni in una grotta I see you trembling here, Al freddo al gelo. O Bambino mio Divino Oh Blessed God, Io ti vedo qui a tremar, Ah, how much it cost you, Your loving me. O Dio Beato Ah, how much it cost you, Ah, quanto ti costò Your loving me. L’avermi amato. Ah, quanto ti costò For you, who are of all the world L’avermi amato. The creator, No robes and fire A te che sei del mondo, Oh my Lord. Il creatore No robes and fire, Mancano panni e fuoco, Oh my Lord. O mio Signore. Dear chosen one, little infant Mancano panni e fuoco, O mio Signore. This dire poverty, Caro eletto, Pargoletto, Makes me love you more Since Love made you Quanto questa povertà, Poor now. Piu m’innamora Since Love made you Giacche ti fece amor Poor now. Povero ancora. Giacche ti fece amor Povero ancora.

Optional activities visit to a church or adoration chapel, or visit one on-line https://livestream.com/accounts/15529184/events/4408765 Marytown Chapel http://www.stmartinoftourschurch.org/worship/perpetual-eucharistic-adoration/ Saint Martin of Tours church in the Metro-Louisville, Kentucky “Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament” by St. Alphonsus Liguori (who is also pictured here) https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/alphonsus-liguori.html

You Come Down from the Stars. (Tu Scendi Delle Stelle”) Christmas song composed by Alphonsus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F94N2CIwdUM song with animated Nativity play 2:55 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd2SKxUs2gM Alfonso Maria de’ Lguori - Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle Solemnity of the Lord's Birth – closing of Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican Basilica, 24 December 2011 With Pope Benedict 9:37 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-ybslnsP-c Baby Jesus falling slowly from the sky helping people on stars on the way down… amusing and thought provoking 2:50 https://www.mamalisa.com/blog/italian-christmas-song-tu-scendi-dalle-stele-you-come-down-from-the- stars-2/ English translation of popular Italian Christmas song written by Alphonsus, “Tu scendi dalle stele”

The Way of the Cross by St. Alphonsus Liguari https://www.ecatholic2000.com/liguori/stations/cross.shtml with paintings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ScPDo628k Video with the same text and paintings as the above site

https://www.saintanneshelper.com/printable-stations-of-the-cross.html free printable stations of the Cross, coloring pages, and audio, also below https://www.saintanneshelper.com/support-files/stations-of-the-cross.pdf prints two bi-fold booklets (final 4.25w by 5.5h) on 9 pages (of 36 pages) with black and white woodcuts which could be colored.

Jim Caviezel talks about the making of the passion of Christ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ejaw0F8-sY 39:26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnQVerXJYr8 Exerpt from longer version INCLUDES SPANISH SUBTITLES 7:50

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carlow_Cathedral_St_Alphonsus_kneeling_before_the_M ost_Holy_Sacrament_2009_09_03.jp stained glass window of Saint Alphonsus in adoration before a monstrance Bottom feature of the right stained glass window in the north transept, showing St Alphonsus kneeling before the Most Holy Sacrament. Created by Franz Mayer & Co. in the 19th century. One of the saint’s best known works is The Visits to the Most Holy Sacrament. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-share alike 3. Germany license Script, Alphonsus (May have song Tu Scendi Delle Stelle playing in the background as participants arrive.) Hello. I am a Doctor of the Church. This is a title given to a few people of eminent learning, with a high degree of sanctity, and by proclamation by the Church. Let me tell you about myself. I was born in Italy and baptized as Alphonsus Mary Anthony John Cosmas Damian Michael Gaspard de' Liguori, but you can call me Saint Alphonsus Liguori. Who can tell me where Italy is? (May have youth point Italy out on the map, if one is available.) Yes, Italy is the boot shaped country of Europe that projects into the Mediterranean Sea. I was the oldest of seven children and very good with music, art, and books. I was tutored at home before entering the University and then graduating as a lawyer at the age of 16. People laughed because my graduation gown almost buried me. I was a very good lawyer, too. I didn’t lose one case in the eight years before my last case which I lost, simply because I read something wrong. I spent several days in prayer after that and also helped at the hospital for “incurables”, which I was in the habit of doing. While there, I found myself surrounded by a mysterious light and heard a voice say, “Leave the world and give yourself to me.” I went to the church immediately, laid my sword before the statue of Our Lady, abandoned my inheritance and chose to become a priest. I became a preacher, a confessor, a missionary, an artist, a musician, a writer, and the founder of an order, called the Redemptorists, who serve the poor and later promote the Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon, like the icon hanging behind the altar at the Cathedral. I truly enjoyed preaching the love of God in a humble manner. One time I became so exasperated with a preacher’s grand, flowery language that I moved him out of the pulpit and finished the sermon myself.

My love for Jesus is expressed in four great devotions • The Nativity, when Jesus was born… • Mary, His mother… • The passion and death of our Lord… • …and the Eucharist. Who has heard of the song “Away in a Manger”? What was song written about? (Jesus being born, the incarnation…) That is a very well-known song about the incarnation of the Son of God, the birth of Jesus. I did not write that song, but I composed many popular songs with lyrics that would turn one’s mind and heart to God, which I taught during missions.

One song that I wrote that is very popular in Italy at Christmas time is called (in English) You Come Down from the Stars. (Tu Scendi Delle Stelle”). In fact it is sung at the Vatican at the end of Christmas Eve Mass. (May play the song or video here, or may have played it as people are gathering, or direct people to it later in reference material.)

Among the paintings I have created are a beautiful portrait of Mary and a brutalized image of Jesus suffering on the cross. Raise your hand if you have attended Stations of the Cross before, like during Lent. (Participants raise hands.) You may have used a method for meditating on the stations which I wrote, because they are still used and available today. (Hold up pamphlet of Alphonsus’ meditations for the stations.)

Although I wrote 111 works on many different topics, I didn’t start writing books until I was in my 50s. Some of those books have been translated into 60 different languages.

During the time I lived, those from the Janesists sect were making many faithful people feel unworthy to receive the Body of Christ. So I wrote my first book called “31 visits to the Blessed Sacrament”, with one visit for each day of the month, because one should not totally avoid the Blessed Sacrament, even if one is not worthy of communion. (Reverently) After all, at the Last Supper Jesus fulfilled his promise not to leave us by transforming bread and wine into himself. For my visit the first day of the month, I wrote: Quote “A Spanish Poor Clare loved to make long visits to the Blessed Sacrament. The other nuns asked what she did during those long silent hours. “I could kneel there forever,” she answered. “And why not? God is there. You wonder what I do in the presence of my God? I marvel, I love, I thank, I beg. What does a tramp do when he meets a millionaire? A sick man when he sees a doctor? A starving man when he sees food? What does a dry-throated hiker do at a drinking fountain?” Unquote

I am overwhelmed with gratitude and desperate that everyone should develop a deep reverence and love for the gift of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus. For those who feel unworthy to receive communion, I also wrote a short prayer called my… “Spiritual Communion.” My Jesus, I believe you are really here in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you more than anything in the world, and I hunger to feed on your body. But since I cannot receive Communion at this moment, feed my soul at least spiritually. I unite myself to you now as I do when I actually receive you. Never let me be parted from you. http://www.redemptorists.co.uk/news/news-items/180-the-eucharist-and-saint-alphonsus.html

I have spent many hours in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and I even witnessed a Eucharistic miracle in Scala, Spain. Several nuns, Bishop Santoro, and other people were able to witness it, too, because it happened on Thursdays over three consecutive months, beginning in September 1732. What happened during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the monastery was the appearance of the signs of the Passion of Christ in the host displayed in the monstrance. (The Eucharistic Miracles of the World. page159 and also http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/english_pdf/Damian-Scala.pdf )

(Optional - This is not the only miracle to take place in Scala. Almost 700 years before this, in the year 1050, Saint Peter Damian recorded this Eucharistic event. A priest noticed a woman had wrapped a consecrated host in a linen handkerchief to take it home and use for sorcery. The priest ran after her and took the Host she had sacrilegiously stolen. He opened the cloth and found that while half of the host looked normal, the other half had become visibly the Body of Christ highlighting the reality of the sacramental transubstantiation taking place at the Consecration. http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/english_pdf/Damian-Scala.pdf ) There have been many Eucharistic Miracles. I encourage you to research some, but more importantly, I encourage you to take time to visit the Blessed Sacrament. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament have given me strength through many challenges, like my gradually losing my sight and my hearing and having severe arthritis. “Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned.” CCC 2744Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Del gran mezzo della preghirera (A different interpretation said it this way. “The person who prays is saved; the person who does not pray is lost.” (Saint Alphonsus) (Introduce craft activity to highlight Saint Alphonsus and the Eucharist.)

The Year of the Eucharist St Irenaeus Event Saint Irenaeus

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Irenaeus and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Length of Time Needed Option 1: 20-30 minutes for the Saint portion (for the whole evening, which also includes a hymn, 1 hour, or if a meal or snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours) Option 2: 1 hour, if focusing solely on the Saint in an extended version, or, if a meal and snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours.

Schedule of the Event This event could be done in 2 parts: first a Saint presentation, followed by a Hymn presentation, as outlined below. Or, you could extend part 1 and spend the whole time on the Saint, with fellowship and food. • Meal, with the whole community (optional, 30-45 minutes) • Part 1: Saint presentation & activity (20-30 minutes) • Break • Part 2: Hymn presentation (found in the Hymns section of the resources, 20-30 minutes) • Gather the whole community in the chapel for a testimony (5-7 minutes) • Closing prayer and blessing (5 minutes) • Snacks and fellowship (optional, and possible alternative to a meal, 15-30 minutes)

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Opening Prayer

Proclamation St. Irenaeus was a Father of the Church and is quoted in the CCC many times.

Explanation Share St. Irenaeus’ story, using the attached script. Optionally, you could have someone dress up as St. Irenaeus and tell his story in the first person and answer questions.

Application Attached Craft project: • Option 1: Paper Heart Chain • Option 2: Candlescape

Celebration • Offer a closing prayer. • If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer.

Vocabulary

Resources PRAYER OF ST. IRENAEUS OF LYONS For Various Types of Christians https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english/p00388.htm

Father, give perfection to beginners, understanding to the little ones, and help to those who are running their course. Give sorrow to the negligent, fervour to the lukewarm, and a good consummation to the perfect.

PRAYER TO ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR; MEMORIAL: JUNE 28 https://prayers4reparation.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/prayer-to-st-irenaeus/ Father, you called Saint Irenaeus to uphold your truth and bring peace to your Church. By his prayers renew in us faith and love that we may always be intent on fostering unity and peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed Bishop costume for St. Ireneaus (if he is being impersonated) Map of the Middle East (and France?) Bible Catechism of the Catholic Church Sample craft project Paper Heart Chain option (found in attachments) https://momvstheboys.com/2014/02/make-paper-heart-chain-garland/ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-make-easy-paper-heart- chains-for-valentines-day/ Paper strips 1x11.5inch various colors (1/person) May print Eucharist quotes from Irenaeus or CCC Stapler Staples Crayons/markers/pencils to decorate (optional) Candle option (found in attachments) Tree branches cut at various lengths Drill and 1 ½ inch boring drill bit C clamp (to hold branch tight) Saw LED candle (1/participant or family) Twine, cord, or ribbon Tag with Jn1:19 or Jn 8:12 https://www.thedomesticcurator.com/2015/12/how-to-make-birch-wood- candles.html#comment-form

Handouts needed See advance preparation and supply list, but will need to print tags or paper strips (if quote is desired) for craft project.

Volunteers needed Man to impersonate St. Ireneaus Person(s) to prepare candle “sticks” Assistants to help with craft (optional)

Advance preparation Bishop costume for St. Ireneaus (if he is being impersonated) If candle option is chosen, cut and drill branches for candle holder sticks. If paper chain option is chosen, will the chains be taken home or displayed in the church building? Print tags (if candle option) or paper strips (if chain option) and cut out tags or strips. Sample craft project made and displayed

(Saint Irenaeus enters, dressed as a bishop, carrying a Bible, maybe marked at John 8:12) Hello, My name is Saint Irenaeus. My feast day is June 28, but I was born about 125 (130) AD in Asia Minor. Who knows where Asia Minor is? (If a map is available, select a youth to point to Asia Minor or Asia to narrow in on location. ) Asia Minor is the southwestern part of Asia on the Anatolia Peninsula. That is where I learned about our faith from the Bishop of Smyrna. Does anyone know where Smyrna is? (pause for response if any) Well, Smyrna no longer exists, except for a few ruins, but it was near the Aegean Sea in what-is-now- the-country of Turkey. Who can show me where the Aegean Sea or Turkey is? (Select youth close to front to point to these places.) The modern city where Smyrna was is called “Izmir”. (Show location on map if available, north of Ephesus)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Seven_churches_of_asia.svg/1200px- Seven_churches_of_asia.svg.png (Hold up the Bible while speaking about it.) In the Bible, the book of Acts chapter19: verse 10 “suggests the church in Smyrna was founded during the Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey”. (https://www.bibleplaces.com/smyrna/)

Paul was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles.

The Bible also includes letters from Paul to other cities where he taught and shared about Jesus. http://www.allaboutturkey.com/highres/paulsjourneys.jpg Also in Revelation, the last book of the Bible, Smyrna was the second city to receive a letter from another apostle, the apostle John. (https://www.bibleplaces.com/smyrna/ ) John 1:9 speaks about Jesus Christ being the “true light which enlightens everyone.” John 8:12 reads, “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (May put Bible down.) Jesus taught the apostles, and then the apostles taught others.

“We guard with care the faith that we have received from the Church.” (CCC 175; St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 3,24,1:PG 7/1,966) Some of these apostolic teachings were written down and became books in the Bible. At the time I was living, the books which would be included in the Bible had not been decided yet. However, the four gospels I thought should be selected for the Bible were eventually chosen. What are the names of the four gospels which tell about Jesus’ life on earth? (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) One of John’s own disciples was Polycarp. “Polycarp…was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also …appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna… [Polycarp] always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp.” (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4) http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm Guess who one of those men who succeeded Polycarp was… ME, Irenaeus! I was his disciple in Asia Minor, I learned from Bishop Polycarp, who spoke to and learned from the Apostles. Later I was sent from Asia Minor to be a priest in Gaul, which is France today. I became the bishop of Lyon and I also became a Father of the Church. Does anyone know what a Father of the Church is? (answers may vary) Fathers of the Church lived a long time ago, before the year 700. That’s over 1300 years ago. Fathers of the Church are influential Christian theologians who explained and defended Catholic doctrines and beliefs which have been approved by the Church. Where can you look today to find out what the true teachings of the church are? (Catechism, Real Presence Radio, writings of the Church Fathers… the Creed, Vatican web site…) There are a lot of resources now that were not available while I was alive. (Hold up the Catechism of the Catholic Church while speaking about it) There was no Catechism of the Catholic Church at that time, just the teaching Jesus passed on to the Apostles which the Apostles then passed on. (Put down the Catechism of the Catholic Church We did have writings, but I already mentioned that the “books” of the Bible had not been decided and gathered together in one book. Also, copies of these writings were not readily available, so there were many false teachings about what the Church believed. Does anyone know what we call false teachings of the church? (heresy) A heresy is a false teaching that does not agree with the true teachings of the church. One of the things I wrote was a set of 5 books called “Against Heresies” which identified the doctrines of a group called the Gnostics as well as other sects, then contrasted their doctrines and “lying words” with the Apostle’s true oral tradition and writings, especially the writings of Saint Paul and Saint John, who I already mentioned. For instance, The Gnostics generally believed salvation was to be achieved through special knowledge revealed through special gnostic teachers and that Jesus was just one of those teachers. They did not believe Jesus was the son of God. They believed the material universe was evil, including man, and that the pure and perfect, unknowable God made lesser gods to create the world and certainly would not have become flesh, incarnated, as the Son of God as Christians believed Jesus had been.

But those are false teachings. The apostle John clearly wrote of the only-begotten-son and wrote that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. In denying the incarnation of God as the Son, Gnostics also deny the atonement of Jesus dying for our sins through his life, passion, death, and resurrection to put us right with God, so we could have eternal life, (https://carm.org/gnosticism) “How could “He truly redeem us by His own blood, if He did not really become man restoring to His own handiwork what was said [of it] in the beginning, that man was made after the image and likeness of God; – Against Heresies, 5:2:1 (189 A.D). “…the blessed Paul declares in his Epistle to the Ephesians, that ‘we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.’ [Ephesians 5:30] He does not speak these words of some spiritual and invisible man, for a spirit has not bones nor flesh; [Luke 24:39] but [he refers to] that dispensation [by which the Lord became] an actual man, consisting of flesh, and nerves, and bones— that [flesh] which is nourished by the cup which is His blood, and receives increase from the bread which is His body. And just as a cutting from the vine planted in the ground fructifies in its season, or as a grain of wheat falling into the earth and becoming decomposed, rises with manifold increase by the Spirit of God, who contains all things, and then, through the wisdom of God, serves for the use of men, and having received the Word of God, becomes the Eucharist, which is the body and blood of Christ; so also our bodies, being nourished by it, and deposited in the earth, and suffering decomposition there, shall rise at their appointed time, the Word of God granting them resurrection to the glory of God, even the Father, who freely gives to this mortal immortality, and to this corruptible incorruption, [1 Corinthians 15:53] because the strength of God is made perfect in weakness, [2 Corinthians 12:3]… – Against Heresies, 5:2:2-3 (189 A.D). Page 2 of 5 We Catholics celebrate that atonement at every Mass with the Eucharist. “How can they be consistent with themselves, [when they say] that the bread over which thanks have been given is the body of their Lord, and the cup His blood, if they do not call Himself the Son of the Creator of the world,” (St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 5,18,4.) Because I wrote to help people distinguish falsehood from truth, my writings captured the authoritative tradition of the Church of Rome and are referred to even to this day. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to my books many times, like paragraph 1327. (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church Index of Citations page 747 in the English Translation 1994.) (May read Irenaeus’ following quote from the catechism.) "Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking." (St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 4,18,5:PG 7/l,1028.) (CCC 1327) In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: (CCC 1327) We celebrate what we believe every time we celebrate the Eucharist.

(Introduce craft activity to highlight Irenaeus and the Eucharist.)

(True and False questions could also be an option.)

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103.htm Against Heresies by Saint Irenaeus

Option 1 https://www.artwithmrsnguyen.com/2014/02/m

I learned from Bishop Polycarp, who spoke to y-paper-heart-chain.html and learned from the Apostles. Cut one inch strips by the length of the The catechism says: (May read all or select part paper. Fold the paper strip in half. of CCC 166.) Then either: 166 Faith is a personal act - the free response of Link through another heart. Curl ends the human person to the initiative of God who of strip to inside. Staple, glue, or used reveals himself. But faith is not an isolated act. double sided tape or a stapler to secure No one can believe alone, just as no one can live the two ends. Repeat. alone. You have not given yourself faith as you OR have not given yourself life. The believer has Fold strips in half with short ends received faith from others and should hand it on together. Staple, glue or tape fold. Curl to others. Our love for Jesus and for our the ends of the outside strip to the neighbor impels us to speak to others about our outside, placing ends into fold of next faith. Each believer is thus a link in the great strip. Staple, glue or tape fold.Repeat chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith. We are going to create a paper chain for each family that shows we are linked in the great chain of believers. (Point to the displayed craft sample.) Each person will select a strip of paper to https://www.theidearoom.net/valentines-day- decorate as they wish, then add their link to the crafts chain.

(Strips for decorating may have a quote from Saint Irenaeus which was taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church OR A final strip quote may be added to the end of the chain (CCC 166 chain of believers, CCC 1000 Eucharist from St. Irenaeus), or other.)) When you complete your chain, you may add a strip to the bottom with a quote from Saint Irenaeus which was taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (When the chains are completed, May choose to take home or display in church.)

Option 2 God” CCC 294 (cf. Irenaeus Adv. Haer. (Tea light available by the tabernacle light, 4,20,7) prepared branches and twine/ribbon/cord Each person will choose a tea light and a candle available at two other locations to separate stick. The sticks will be placed in a grouping, the crowd and make selection of sticks and so a variety of sizes may look more appealing. ribbons, less hectic.) Each family will also select a long strip of We have a special place to reserve the Eucharist twine/cord/ribbon to go around the group of in our church. Does anyone know where that candles. is? (in the tabernacle) A tag can then be added to the candle scape to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Does anyone know what inside the church building indicates the presence of the Holy (The sticks may also be displayed on a tray… (if Eucharist within the tabernacle? (Tabernacle wood is fresh, it may weep.) light- (usually red) candle or oil is burning.)

The Tabernacle Candle shows Christ is here, present in the Holy Eucharist. (Normally there is only one day of the year when the Eucharist is not in the tabernacle. (Good Friday))

Christ is the “true light which enlightens everyone.” (Jn 1:9). We are going to create a candle scape for each family to show we have been enlightened by Christ and continue to be more Christ-like. (Point to the displayed craft sample.) (May read the following from the tag, the Bible, or the Catechism.) Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will

have the light of life.” Jn 8:12 St. Irenaeus taught “The glory of God is the https://www.thedomesticcurator.com/2015/12/how-to- living man, but the life of man is the vision of make-birch-wood-candles.html#comment-form

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The Year of the Eucharist St John Neumann

Event Saint John Neumann

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint John Neumann and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Leader’s choice of opening prayers plus one of the prayers from the “Prayers to and by St. John Neuman” (enclosed)

Proclamation We have all felt discouraged. So were the saints. Every saint faced hard times, limitations, and suffering. But, with God’s graces, every one of them was able to do good and even great things anyway. Saint John Neumann found that God’s love lifted him out of discouragement and enabled him to serve Catholics. He developed parishes and schools for diverse populations, and promoted the Forty Hours Devotion in the face of anti-Catholic bearings.

Explanation Share Saint John Neumann's life story: Read about and tell his story (story enclosed); optionally, you could have someone dress up as St. John and tell his story in the first person and answer questions.

Application Share information and a brief history of the Forty Hours Devotion. (“What is the 40 Hours Devotion?” information sheets from http://catholicstraightanswers.com/what-is-the-40-hours-devotion/)

You might also pray one of the prayers to St. John Neumann found here: https://stjohnneumann.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Prayers-to-St.-John- Neumann.pdf

Or, pray “A Prayer by Saint John Neumann” in the attached document.

Celebration • Share Saint John Neumann’s quote: “How much I love You, O my Jesus! I wish to love You with my whole heart; yet I do not love You enough. My lack of devotion and my negligence still haunt me. I have one desire, that of being near You in the Blessed Sacrament. You are the sweet bridegroom of my soul, My Jesus, my love, my all, gladly would I endure hunger, thirst, heat and cold to remain always with You in the Blessed Sacrament.” • Offer a closing prayer. • If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer.

Vocabulary

Resources www.franciscanmedia.org stjohnneumann.org catholicstraightanswers.com videos below (neither mention a connection to the Blessed Sacrament) www.catholic.org 4:06 video google search Urban Trinity: The Story of Catholic Philadelphia 4:53 video

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed technological tools (if you wish to share a video)

Handouts needed copies of prayers and/or the novena for participants

Volunteers needed Leader (others may assist as the parish sees fit)

Someone to tell St. John Neumann’s story and answer questions

Advance preparation copy prayers and/or novena to handout Saint costume

Saint John Neumann's Life Story

Saint John Neumann was born in Bohemia in 1811. As a child he attended a school operated by Piarist Fathers and became known as a “bookworm”. Later he transferred to a university in Prague where he studied theology, astronomy, and botany.

By the time he was twenty-four, he had learned several languages and had completed his studies for the priesthood. At that time, the Church in Bohemia didn't have a need for more priests, but thousands upon thousands of German, Irish, and Italian immigrants to the United States were in urgent need of spiritual guidance. Recognizing the opportunity to serve God as a missionary priest he decided to answer the call to cross the ocean to America.

After walking from his home, in Bohemia, to France he boarded a ship for America. He bought the cheapest tickets available. He had no assigned place to sleep, so he would lay down his straw mattress in some out of the way place to sleep. After six weeks the miserable voyage was over. On a chilly afternoon in 1836 he stood on the deck of the ship facing New York's harbor. His head was bare because his hat had been stolen, his clothes thin, and he had barely a dollar to his name. He was a small man – just over five feet tall and not in the best of health – in a foreign country, destined to do big things for God in little ways.

Two days later John Neumann found the bishop of the diocese of New York. This bishop, Bishop John Dubois, had only 36 priests to care for 200,000 Catholics living in all of New York state and half of lower New Jersey. Within a few weeks John Neumann was ordained a priest for the diocese of New York. His first assignment was the whole Niagara Frontier area of New York state. Most people didn't live in towns, they lived on farms or scattered through out the woods. For four years the new priest devoted himself to the pastoral care of the outlying areas in his parish. He built churches and raised log schools. His ability to speak French, Italian, English, German, and Czech helped him in serving to foster faith among the many immigrants.

Priests at that time traveled on horseback and went long distances to care for people in neighboring towns and villages. Because Father John Neumann was short, his feet did not reach stirrups well, and some people laughed at the clumsy way he rode. Although he could speak many languages some people grew impatient with his thick accent. Regardless he remained devoted and continued going about teaching religion, visiting the sick, and training teachers. Page 1

Father Neumann's commitment to hard work and his strenuous pace took a toll on his health. His friend Father Joseph Prost asked him to join the Redemptorist community. New waves of immigrants scattered throughout New England required priests willing to travel in search of and service to Catholics who could not speak English and who were often socially and spiritually lost. In the following years Father Neumann served in Pittsburg, Baltimore, New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Norwalk, Ohio.

In March of 1852, Father John Neumann was ordained the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Philadelphia. As bishop John Neumann again found himself an itinerant, who traveled throughout his diocese. He enjoyed preaching, teaching, baptizing, confirming, hearing confessions, visiting the sick, and settling disputes. Although some thought a bishop should spend time with the wealthy and powerful people, he lived simply. He preferred serving poor country people rather than dine with the elite.

Bishop John Neumann was certain it was vitally important for children to be educated and taught the ways of Jesus. Many parents agreed, and wanted their children taught in the Catholic tradition. He started Catholic schools and became the first bishop in the United Stated to organize a diocesan school system. In eight years Philadelphia diocese's Catholic schools increased from two, to nearly one hundred.

During Neumann's administration, new parish churches were completed at the rate of nearly one per month. Since many immigrants settled in close communities and with speakers of the same language, special cultural parishes were established to serve their social and spiritual needs. He also published two catechisms and many articles for newspapers. He used his gift of knowing several languages to translate catechisms for immigrant Catholics.

Wars and famines in Europe drove immigrants to the diocese of Philadelphia in such high numbers tensions and panic mounted and threatened peace and safety. A strong anti- Catholic attitude developed and Bishop John Neumann's Catholic immigrants were especially at risk. Violence and vandalism against Catholics and their buildings shook Bishop John Neumann's confidence in his ability to lead his people. Fortunately the pope and God held him up.

Bishop John Neumann was a strong promotor of the Forty Hours Devotion. A tremendous devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and a desire to enrich the spiritual life in his people found him developing plans to organize a cohesive schedule for a diocese wide Forty Hours Devotion. Some priests were fearful carrying out this plan would intensify the hatred against Catholics. Bishop Neumann found himself facing a dilemma. The answer became clear during a prayer of thanksgiving. Page 2

One night, the bishop fell asleep at his desk and awoke to discover his candle had burned down and charred some of his paperwork. He went to his knees to give thanksgiving for God's intercession and heard, “As the flames are burning here without consuming the writing, so shall I pour out my grace in the Blessed Sacrament without prejudice to My honor. Fear no profanation, therefore: hesitate no longer to carry out your design for my glory.” On God's word, Bishop John Neumann began the Forty Hours Devotions at St. Philip Neri Parish. No trouble arose. Soon every parish in the whole diocese was having Forty Hours Devotion during the liturgical year. He developed a special booklet for the devotions. Other dioceses followed his example, and in 1866 the Plenary Council of Baltimore approved the Forty Hours Devotion for all Dioceses of the United States.

Throughout his life, Saint John Neumann had went about his work quietly and humbly. No special honors were given him. He was even unpopular with some people. Many did not care for his accent and plain style. Besides these misgivings, he had to deal with the anti Catholic groups that were burning churches, convents, and schools. Facing all this adversity, Saint John Neumann felt he wasn't capable of meeting so many challenges and asked for a lesser assignment. When he was told to continue serving as bishop he remained obedient.

After sixteen years as a priest and eight years as bishop, the energetic and faithful Saint John Neumann collapsed of an apparent heart attack. The Catholics of the Diocese of Philadelphia had seen wonderful changes because of his leadership. They had more places to pray, their children had more schools where they could learn about Jesus, and the Forty Hours Devotion was so successful it was spreading to other dioceses.

Only after Saint John Neumann's death did people begin to talk about their humble, good bishop who worked so hard for God. He had been a worthy mentor to follow when serving immigrants. Nationwide Catholics were follow this extraordinary educator's lead in establishing Catholic schools. And the Forty Hours Devotion was in practice throughout all the dioceses in the United States.

Page 3

A Prayer by St. John Neumann

My God, possess me that I may become a fit instrument of your graces and mercies to the souls you have confided to my care. If you know that success will make me vain, do not, on that account allow me to fail. Humble me in some other way, but do not punish me through those you have confided to me.

My heart is pierced with sorrow when I hear of the loss of one of my sheep. Lord Jesus, have mercy. Permit not that any one of those whom you have entrusted to me should be lost. O my Jesus, I will pray, fast, suffer, and, with the help of your grace, sacrifice life itself.

O Lord, imbue my words with power and healing that they may glorify the truth. As for myself, I am fully satisfied with the labors assigned to me in your vineyard, for I came here to atone for my sins and to win souls for God. Nowhere can a better opportunity be found for doing good. May God grant me the grace to discharge my duties in a worthy and fruitful manner. . . .

O my Jesus, though I am poor in so many ways and so ignorant, I have been chosen as a shepherd to your sheep. Give me an ever-increasing love for those souls redeemed by your Precious Blood, that I may labor at their salvation in wisdom, patience, and holiness. Grant that not one of those you have confided to me may be lost through my fault. O my Jesus, help me to sanctify those committed to my care.

O holy Mother of my Lord, pray for me and for those in my vineyard. Holy guardian angels of these dear ones, teach me how to act toward them so as to be able to instill into their hearts the maxims of faith and true love of God. Lord, teach me how to live and, if need be, to die, that all may be saved, that all may love and praise you throughout all eternity, that they may also love and cherish your dear Mother.

From Saint John Nepomucene Neumann’s Favorite Prayers: Taken From His Diary

The Year of the Eucharist

St Juliana Event Saint Juliana

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Juliana and her connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Opening Prayer

Proclamation St. Juliana was a visionary who helped bring about a feast day for the Body and Blood of Christ.

Explanation • Tell the story of St. Juliana using the text of Pope Benedict XVI’s general audience address of Nov. 17, 2010 which is dedicated to St. Juliana and the feast of Corpus Christi (about 12 minutes) https://zenit.org/articles/st- juliana-the-nun-who-gave-us-the-feast-of-corpus-christi/ (see overview below) • Optionally, you could have someone dress up as St. Juliana and tell her story in the first person and answer questions.

Application OPTIONS:

• Watch first 7 minutes of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBrSlmjK40w&list=PL5_ax08Z6UX8k9k 1POc-vN2uDK2jiBYZK (see overview below, because one may wish to watch the entire thing and skip the miracle suggested below, which is not included in this video) • followed by video on the miracle of Bosena • 5.5 of 17:52 minutes Miracles of the Eucharist by Bob and Penny Lord (many miracles introduced by Mother Angelica), but 14:00-19:26 explain the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena and Orvieto in 1263 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izY2mjc6LRo 28:00 OR • 3.2 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsugXBF__KE No Apologies #67 - Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, Italy (Peter of Prague was doubting true presence.) Prompted by miracle Pope Urban - Mass and Liturgy of the Hours -Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia?

Vocabulary

Resources Additional resources are listed at the bottom of this lesson plan.

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed St. Juliana costume (if she is being impersonated) Text from article https://zenit.org/articles/st-juliana-the-nun-who-gave-us-the- feast-of-corpus-christi/ Computer projector screen or wall Computer connection or downloaded videos chosen from the application section of this lesson plan.

Handouts needed

Volunteers needed Someone to impersonate St. Juliana Person to read the address (if chosen to do) Person to run computer and internet connections for videos.

Advance preparation Costume for St. Juliana (if she is being impersonated) Computer/projector set up and connected Assure internet connection or download videos to be seen. 36

* * * Saint Juliana of Cornillon feast in which believers would be able to adore the Dear Brothers and Sisters, Eucharist so as to increase in faith, to advance in This morning too I would like to introduce a female the practice of the virtues and to make reparation figure to you. She is little known but the Church is for offences to the Most Holy Sacrament. deeply indebted to her, not only because of the Juliana, who in the meantime had become Prioress of holiness of her life but also because, with her great the convent, kept this revelation that had filled her fervour, she contributed to the institution of one of heart with joy a secret for about 20 years. She then the most important solemn Liturgies of the confided it to two other fervent adorers of the year: Corpus Christi. Eucharist, Blessed Eva, who lived as a hermit, and She is St Juliana de Cornillon, also known as St Isabella, who had joined her at the Monastery of Juliana of Liège. We know several facts about her Mont-Cornillon. The three women established a life, mainly from a Biography that was probably sort of “spiritual alliance” for the purpose of written by a contemporary cleric; it is a collection glorifying the Most Holy Sacrament. of various testimonies of people who were directly They also chose to involve a highly regarded Priest, acquainted with the Saint. John of Lausanne, who was a canon of the Church Juliana was born near Liège, Belgium between 1191 of St Martin in Liège. They asked him to consult and 1192. It is important to emphasize this place theologians and clerics on what was important to because at that time the Diocese of Liège was, so them. Their affirmative response was encouraging. to speak, a true “Eucharistic Upper Room”. Before What happened to Juliana of Cornillon occurs Juliana, eminent theologians had illustrated the frequently in the lives of Saints. To have supreme value of the Sacrament of the Eucharist confirmation that an inspiration comes from God it and, again in Liège, there were groups of women is always necessary to be immersed in prayer to generously dedicated to Eucharistic worship and to wait patiently, to seek friendship and exchanges fervent communion. Guided by exemplary priests, with other good souls and to submit all things to they lived together, devoting themselves to prayer the judgement of the Pastors of the Church. and to charitable works. It was in fact Bishop Robert Torote, [of] Liège who, Orphaned at the age of five, Juliana, together with her after initial hesitation, accepted the proposal of sister Agnes, was entrusted to the care of the Juliana and her companions and first introduced Augustinian nuns at the convent and leprosarium the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in his diocese. of Mont-Cornillon. Later other Bishops following his example She was taught mainly by a sister called “Sapienza” instituted this Feast in the territories entrusted to [wisdom], who was in charge of her spiritual their pastoral care. development to the time Juliana received the However, to increase their faith the Lord often asks religious habit and thus became an Augustinian Saints to sustain trials. This also happened to nun. Juliana who had to bear the harsh opposition of She became so learned that she could read the words certain members of the clergy and even of the of the Church Fathers, of St Augustine and St superior on whom her monastery depended. Bernard in particular, in Latin. In addition to a Of her own free will, therefore, Juliana left the keen intelligence, Juliana showed a special Convent of Mont-Cornillon with several propensity for contemplation from the outset. She companions. For 10 years — from 1248 to 1258 — had a profound sense of Christ’s presence, which she stayed as a guest at various monasteries of she experienced by living the Sacrament of the Cistercian sisters. Eucharist especially intensely and by pausing She edified all with her humility, she had no words of frequently to meditate upon Jesus’ words: “And lo, criticism or reproach for her adversaries and I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt continued zealously to spread Eucharistic worship. 28:20). She died at Fosses-La-Ville, Belgium, in 1258. In the When Juliana was 16 she had her first vision which cell where she lay the Blessed Sacrament was recurred subsequently several times during her exposed and, according to her biographer’s Eucharistic adoration. Her vision presented the account, Juliana died contemplating with a last moon in its full splendour, crossed diametrically effusion to love Jesus in the Eucharist whom she by a dark stripe. The Lord made her understand the had always loved, honoured and adored. Jacques meaning of what had appeared to her. The moon Pantaléon of Troyes was also won over to the good symbolized the life of the Church on earth, the cause of the Feast of Corpus Christi during his opaque line, on the other hand, represented the ministry as Archdeacon in Lièges. It was he who, absence of a liturgical feast for whose institution having become Pope with the name of Urban iv in Juliana was asked to plead effectively: namely, a 1264, instituted the Solemnity of Corpus 37

Christi on the Thursday after Pentecost as a feast I would like to affirm with joy that today there is a of precept for the universal Church. “Eucharistic springtime” in the Church: How many In the Bull of its institution, entitled Transiturus de people pause in silence before the Tabernacle to hoc mundo, (11 Aug. 1264), Pope Urban even engage in a loving conversation with Jesus! It is referred discreetly to Juliana’s mystical comforting to know that many groups of young experiences, corroborating their authenticity. He people have rediscovered the beauty of praying in wrote: “Although the Eucharist is celebrated adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament. solemnly every day, we deem it fitting that at least I am thinking, for example, of our Eucharistic once a year it be celebrated with greater honour adoration in Hyde Park, London. I pray that this and a solemn commemoration. Eucharistic “springtime” may spread increasingly “Indeed we grasp the other things we commemorate in every parish and in particular in Belgium, St with our spirit and our mind, but this does not Juliana’s homeland. mean that we obtain their real presence. On the Venerable John Paul II said in his Encyclical Ecclesia contrary, in this sacramental commemoration of de Eucharistia: “In many places, adoration of the Christ, even though in a different form, Jesus Blessed Sacrament is also an important daily Christ is present with us in his own substance. practice and becomes an inexhaustible source of While he was about to ascend into Heaven he said holiness. The devout participation of the faithful in ‘And lo, I am with you always, to the close of the the Eucharistic procession on the Solemnity of the age’ (Matthew 28:20)”. Body and Blood of Christ is a grace from the Lord The Pontiff made a point of setting an example by which yearly brings joy to those who take part in celebrating the solemnity of Corpus Christi in it. Other positive signs of Eucharistic faith and Orvieto, the town where he was then residing. love might also be mentioned” (n. 10). Indeed, he ordered that the famous Corporal with In remembering St Juliana of Cornillon let us also the traces of the Eucharistic miracle which had renew our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in occurred in Bolsena the previous year, 1263, be the Eucharist. As we are taught by kept in Orvieto Cathedral — where it still is today. the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic While a priest was consecrating the bread and the Church, “Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist in wine he was overcome by strong doubts about the a unique and incomparable way. He is present in a Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in true, real and substantial way, with his Body and the sacrament of the Eucharist. A few drops of his Blood, with his Soul and his Divinity. In the blood began miraculously to ooze from the Eucharist, therefore, there is present in a consecrated Host, thereby confirming what our sacramental way, that is, under the Eucharistic faith professes. Species of bread and wine, Christ whole and Urban iv asked one of the greatest theologians of entire, God and Man”(n. 282). history, St Thomas Aquinas — who at that time Dear friends, fidelity to the encounter with the Christ was accompanying the Pope and was in Orvieto — in the Eucharist in Holy Mass on Sunday is to compose the texts of the Liturgical Office for essential for the journey of faith, but let us also this great feast. They are masterpieces, still in use seek to pay frequent visits to the Lord present in in the Church today, in which theology and poetry the Tabernacle! In gazing in adoration at the are fuse[d]. These texts pluck at the heartstrings in consecrated Host, we discover the gift of God’s an expression of praise and gratitude to the Most love, we discover Jesus’ Passion and Cross and Holy Sacrament, while the mind, penetrating the likewise his Resurrection. It is precisely through mystery with wonder, recognizes in the Eucharist our gazing in adoration that the Lord draws us the Living and Real Presence of Jesus, of his towards him into his mystery in order to transform Sacrifice of love that reconciles us with the Father, us as he transforms the bread and the wine. and gives us salvation. The Saints never failed to find strength, consolation Although after the death of Urban iv the celebration of and joy in the Eucharistic encounter. Let us repeat the Feast of Corpus Christi was limited to certain before the Lord present in the Most Blessed regions of France, Germany, Hungary and Sacrament the words of the Eucharistic hymn Northern Italy, it was another Pontiff, John xxii, “Adoro te devote”: [Devoutly I adore Thee]: Make who in 1317 re-established it for the universal me believe ever more in you, “Draw me deeply Church. Since then the Feast experienced a into faith, / Into Your hope, into Your love”. wonderful development and is still deeply appreciated by the Christian people. Thank you.

Additional Resources: https://zenit.org/articles/st-juliana-the-nun-who-gave-us-the-feast-of-corpus-christi/ - general audience address of Nov. 17, 2010, of which half is dedicated to St. Juliana and half is on the establishment of the feast day (Orvieto - Eucharistic miracle of corporal in Bolsena, Italy - St. Thomas Aquinas composing the texts for the Liturgical Office of the feast, catechism quote on Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. (CCC 1373-1375, 1413), and encouraging frequent visits… to find strength, consolation and joy in the Eucharistic encounter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBrSlmjK40w&list=PL5_ax08Z6UX8k9k1POc-vN2uDK2jiBYZK 17:52 long, but first 6 minutes on Saint Juliana, her vision - feast is wanting- observed on Holy Thursday, but desire another day to be set apart 3 reasons • preserve faith on coming attacks to come on the realities, • strengthen all the faithful on their path of virtue, • reparation to our lord for all the injuries and blasphemies against the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar Office (Breviary)- composed by Dominican friar of the church Angelic Doctor Saint Thomas Aquinas (Franciscan friar Saint Bonaventure had also been asked but he threw his in the fire after seeing what Saint Thomas composed) and the miracle of .the Lord speaking to Saint Thomas from the corpus on the cross when he laid the composition on the altar. 5:58-7:00 on difference between celebration of Corpus Christi and the celebrations of Christmas (birth) Easter (resurrection) Ascension celebrate, Corpus Christi celebrates something right now 7:00-15:00 a few aspects of the Mystery of the real presence of the Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament using the second to the last catechism (Catechism of Pope Saint Pius X) and the Baltimore Catechism and a question/answer format which some are expanded upon. (also many photos of the Extraordinary Mass with the host elevated and altar servers holding up the back of the priests chasuble) (Note 14:10- 14:30 The way the priest holds his hands and carefully cleans the paten shows the reverence to the tiniest particles of the Eucharist.) 15:00 Other saints mentioned St. Alphonsus and availability to talk to at any time. 15:44 Eucharistic Reflections from other saints. St. Francis - about God humbling himself under bread St. John Bosco - about visit often, frequently, rarely St. Alphonsus – strength and hour of death St. Teresa of Avila – others say “if I had lived at the time of Jesus…”

Other resources https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Juliana_of_Li%C3%A8ge depictions of Juliana in artwork

Bolsena fresco by Raphael of Miracle of Bolsena http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/stanze-di- raffaello/stanza-di-eliodoro/messa-di-bolsena.html Book and possibly display organized by the Adoration committee Eucharistic Miracles of the World The Miracle of Bosnia, Spain page 114-115 one minute narrated story/tour of the Chapel of the Miracle in Bolsena with 3 of 4 marble slabs that were stained when the corporal bled https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Ym-CEyZP0 . silent close ups of marble stained by and close up of painting and tomb of Saint Cristina (who was martyred for her faith and one reason the Peter of Prague stopped there) 2:20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c08ZMOeBUOY Corpus Christi Pageant by youth of the Eucharistic Miracle in Bolsena and establishment of Corpus Christi (first 15 minutes of pageant, then 2 minutes of students singing songs with students going to kneel before tabernacle while singing Oh Lord Beyond all Praising)17:11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWSjh8yRmg8

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum and O Salutaris Hostia (written by Saint Thomas Aquinas for Corpus Christi) O Salutaris hostia" or "O Saving Sacrifice" Tantum Ergo very nice voice 3:19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCOr8FpzpHg Latin lyrics & English translation in subtitles. Charlotte Church: "Tantum Ergo" (2002). 3:26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPNAwscB7XM

Eucharistic Procession (multicultural) Brooklyn, NY Corpus Christi Eucharistic procession which includes the story of Juliana 1:41 https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=The+Story+Behind+Corpus+Christi&&view=detail&mid=0EDCEE08BB0D3F17F6 290EDCEE08BB0D3F17F629&&FORM=VRDGAR

Quote by Thomas Aquinas “Material food first changes into the one who eats it, and then, as a consequence, restores to him lost strength and increases his vitality. Spiritual food, on the other hand, changes the person who eats it into itself. Thus the effect proper to this Sacrament is the conversion of a man into Christ, so that he may no longer live, but Christ lives in him; consequently, it has the double effect of restoring the spiritual strength he had lost by his sins and defects, and of increasing the strength of his virtues.” St. Thomas, Commentary on Book IV of the Sentences, d.12, q.2, a.11

https://zenit.org/articles/st-juliana-the-nun-who-gave-us-the-feast-of-corpus-christi/ In honor of the feast of Corpus Christi, here is a republication of Benedict XVI’s general audience address of Nov. 17, 2010, which he dedicated to St. Juliana. The saint is credited with helping to bring about the establishment of this feast day.

The Year of the Eucharist St Katharine Drexel

Event Saint Katharine Drexel

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Katharine Drexel and her connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Leader’s choice of opening prayers plus the Saint Katharine Drexel Prayer

Proclamation Imagine inheriting millions upon millions of dollars. How would you spend them? Could you give it all away and yourself too? The founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Katharine Drexel, did it. Her love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was that great.

Explanation Share Saint Katharine Drexel’s life story. Options are: • Researching and then telling her story (suggested links in resources below); optionally you could have someone dress up as St. Katherine and tell her story in the first person and answer questions.

• Sharing the story of St. Katharine, based on the enclosed document: “Saint Katharine Drexel: Founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament” • Or showing a u-tube video (suggested links in resources below).

Application Present the pantomime about Saint Katharine Drexel. This could be done as an echo activity. After the presenters read and pantomime a line, those in attendance can echo the line before going on to the next line.

Use the coloring page for the younger kids.

Pray together a prayer to St Katherine Drexel. Here is one from the USCCB: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new- evangelization/year-of-faith/upload/Saint-Katharine-Drexel-Prayer.pdf

Or, a novena prayer: https://www.skdparish.com/faith-formation/novena-of-saint- katharine-drexel/

Celebration • Share Saint Katharine Drexel's quote: “In the Blessed Sacrament we possess the most precious pledge of our hope.” • Offer a closing prayer. • If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer.

Vocabulary

Resources Google search for Saint Katharine Drexel’s story: Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament 5 Times St. Katharine Drexel Won Against Racism St. Katharine Drexel Woman of Charity, Fortitude, and Justice Google search for videos about Saint Katharine Drexel: St. Katharine Drexel Barron (9 1/2 minutes long) videos and brochures Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (10 minutes) St. Katharine Drexel Tara Rolle (6 1/2 minutes) www.katharinedrexel.org for more information and novena

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed technological tools to share a u-tube video (if you choose the video option)

Handouts needed Saint Katharine Drexel Prayer coloring sheet for young ones copies of the Saint Katharine Drexel Novena

Volunteers needed Leader group of adolescents &/or teens to lead the pantomime Someone to tell St. Katherine’s story and answer questions

Advance preparation copy handouts St. Katharine costume practice the pantomime

Saint Katharine Drexel Pantomime Credit to Sr. Agnes McDevitt

Spoken words are within the quotation marks and the accompanying gestures are within parentheses.

“Katharine Drexel's family was rich.” (rub thumb across finger tips)

“She wore fancy clothes.” (hands trace the outline of the body from head to knees)

“She went to fancy dances.” (sway to imaginary music)

“She sailed across the sea.” (ride hands on waves)

“But her family knew.” (finger tip to temple)

“Money is a gift from God.” (hands raised in praise)

“To be shared with the poor.” (dealing out motion)

“With Katharine and her sisters at her side.” (hand indicating the height of 3 children)

“Katharine's mother opened their home's door.” (swing open a door)

“To give food, clothing, and medicine to the poor.” (handing out gifts gesture)

“Later on a trip out west” (ride a horse)

“The Native Americans touched Katharine's heart.” (hands on heart)

“They need schools she thought.” (finger tip to temple)

“Later when her parents died,” (trace tears down cheeks)

“Katharine was left with millions of dollars.” (rub thumb across finger tips) 44

“To give away to charities.” (dealing out motion)

“Katharine had a great idea.” (snap finger)

“Build schools for the Native American children.” (place fist on top of fist, on top of fist)

“Then she became a nun.” (hands in prayer)

“And she led the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.” (beckoning gesture)

“They went out west.” (ride a horse)

“To build” (fist on top of fist, on top of fist)

“And to teach.” (point, point, point)

“They worked hard.” (wipe sweat from brow)

“They met Red Cloud.” (make hand shaking motion)

“And became his friend.” (lock right finger tips with left finger tips)

“Everyday in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” (raise hands in praise)

“They prayed hard.” (hands in prayer)

“Then Katharine went south.” (ride horse)

“To build schools for African American children.” (fist on top of fist, on top of fist)

“She paddled in flat bottom boats.” (pull on oars)

“She road in stage coaches.” (jostle about)

“Whatever needed to be done, Katharine did it.” (reach out with open palms) “Some people were mean and prejudice.” (angry face)

“And tried to scare Katharine.” (startled face)

“But she never stopped.” (shake head)

“She prayed hard.” (praying hands)

“She worked hard.” (place fist on top of fist, on top of fist)

“And she taught the other nuns to do the same.” (point, point, point)

“For forty years she traveled and worked.” (show four decades of fingers)

“Then she got old and sick.” (use a cane)

“But she still loved the poor.” (hands on heart)

“And she always loved her Lord.” (hands on heart again)

“So everyday in front of the Blessed Sacrament” (raise hands in praise)

“She prayed hard.” (hands in prayer)

“Now she is a saint.” (draw a halo around the crown of your head)

“Not because she gave all her money away.” (dealing out motion)

“But because she gave herself.” (hands on heart)

“We have no millions to give.” (dealing out motion)

“But we too, can give ourselves.” (hands on heart)

“Pray for us Saint Katharine.” (praying hands)

“Help us to be generous too.” (hands on heart)

Saint Katharine Drexel: Founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament credit due to Amy Welborn and Jean M. Heimann

Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 26, 1858, into a family of wealth and power. She was the second daughter of Francis Anthony Drexel and his wife Hannah. Only a month after her birth Katharine's mother, Hannah, died.

A few years later Katharine's father married Emma Bouvier. They were a devout Catholic couple and provided their three daughters with a prayerful and charitable home. Katharine's parents were quite generous. Her step-mother, Emma, was loved by the poor of Philadelphia for the help she offered them. Two or three times a week she would open their home's back gate to the poor and she would spend the day filling their needs. She would provide food, clothing, and medicine. And if they couldn't come to her she would go to them. The Drexel family also paid the monthly rent for the apartments of 150 families.

Katharine and her sisters, Elizabeth and Louise lived a happy life of comfort and ease. As children they experienced the luxury of traveling in Europe. Yet more indelible impressions came from traveling the west and encountering Native Americans who lived on reservations. Their plight instilled a desire in the sisters to alleviate the suffering of Native Americans.

As a young woman Katharine began discerning a religious vocation. Then when she was about twenty-two her step-mother, Emma, began a three year battle with cancer. As Katharine cared for her suffering and dying mother she became more and more aware of the powerlessness of earthly wealth. With this awareness her discernment for a vocation of service became even stronger. Her spiritual advisor, Bishop James O'Connor, asked her to “think, pray, and wait”.

When Katharine was twenty-seven her father, Francis, died. In his will he left one tenth of his fortune to charities with the remainder to be invested so that his three daughters would have a large income the rest of their lives. Following the shock of losing their parents, Katharine and her sisters stepped forward to expand their family's tradition of philanthropy. Her older sister, Elizabeth, used part of her share to build orphanages for boys. Her younger sister, Louise, spent much of her money on schools for African American children. Yet, God's destiny for Katharine was for even more.

In September of 1887 the three sisters had traveled to the Rosebud Reservation and Pine Ridge Agency where they had met Chief Red Cloud. Katharine's compassion for Native Americans grew and resulted in her financial support of schools for children on reservations. Some of her earliest gifting came to South Dakota, including a beautiful monstrance to the Church of St. Francis on the Rosebud Reservation.

Katharine followed her trip to South Dakota with a trip to Europe and was granted an audience with Pope Leo XIII. During that meeting she told him about the problems Native Americans faced and asked him to send missionaries to the Native American missions she was financing. The Pope's response left Katharine in shock. He suggested she become a missionary herself. But, in her discerning ,she desired the life of a contemplative nun!

Katharine prayed. She thought about her own gifts and talents and about how God wanted her to use them. Finally even though others told her that such a life would be too great of a change for her, she was ready to dedicate herself to a religious vocation. Under Bishop O'Conner's direction she entered religious life as a novice under the training of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1889, Katharine Drexel, an American heiress and socialite released herself from her family's fortune to become a Roman Catholic nun and founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, an order that dedicated themselves to serving impoverished Native Americans and African Americans.

On February 12, 1891 Katharine took her vows. She was described as being an energetic, joyful, and engaging nun. When she learned of a young novice joining the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament order she would respond, “Oh goody, goody, goody.” But life as a missionary nun was not easy. Travel in the west and south was difficult and prejudiced people didn't want Katharine to educate any minorities. Katharine and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament drew strength from the Blessed Sacrament to face everyday trials, danger and adversity.

One time when a threatening note was discovered with these hostile words, “Suppress in one week or flogging with tar and feathers will follow,” Katharine responded with prayer. She encouraged the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to combat evil with the joy of the Eucharist and the Gospel. A few days later a tornado completely destroyed the headquarters of the offending party. The nuns continued with their work in peace.

The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament went to Santa Fe, New Mexico to staff a mission school. They established a mission for the Navajos in Arizona. They founded a school in Virginia for African American girls. In all, Sister Katharine and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament were responsible for starting forty-nine elementary schools and twelve high schools. They also started Xavier University in New Orleans to offer African Americans an excellent college education.

While in her seventies Katharine's heart began to fail, so she began the process of transferring her responsibilities to others. An altar was placed in her room and twice a day she would pray 15 decades of the rosary. Now she was the contemplative nun she had wanted to be at the beginning of her discernment. She spent nearly twenty years in a life of prayer and contemplation with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. At the age of ninety-six on March 3, 1955 she died and was canonized on October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Over several decades Saint Katharine had given approximately 20 million dollars to help people in need. Moreover, throughout those decades she had given herself to service for victims of injustice. She gave with a spirit of courage in addressing social offenses against minorities. She guided and administered quality education where others might deny any education. She gave of her love for the Eucharist, of her spirit of prayer, and of her Eucharistic perspective on the unity of all peoples.

The Year of the Eucharist

Pope Saint Paul VI Event Pope Saint Paul VI

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Pope Saint Paul VI and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Opening Prayer

Proclamation St. Paul VI was the pope and promulgated the 16 documents of the 2nd Vatican Council.

Explanation Share Pope St. Paul VI’s story, using the attached script. Optionally, you could have someone dress up as Pope St. Paul VI and tell his story in the first person and answer questions.

Application Craft project – slider card which reveals resurrected stained glass window when “Eucharist” slider is pulled up.

May also pray one of the prayers in the resources section.

Vocabulary Promulgate - promote or make widely known to many people by open declaration, publicize, spread; To put (a law or rule) into action or force Transubstantiation - the scholastic term used to designate the unique change of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. “Transubstantiation” indicates that through the consecration of the bread and the wine there occurs the change of the entire substance of the bread into the substance of the Body of Christ, and of the entire substance of the wine into the Blood of Christ – even though the appearances or “species” of bread and wine remain (see CCC 1376).

Resources • Formed.org Paul VI the Misunderstood Pope – (documentary with actual movie footage (something new when he was born)) 57 minutes • Formed.org Paul VI: The Pope in the Tempest (movie with English subtitles) 3hrs 17 min. • What was Pope St. Paul VI's path to Sainthood? - Canonization 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usz8Kj3n8YU 3:24 (includes comments from his nephew) • Pope Paul VI Canonized a Saint! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQaCC1BC-Cc 6:10 • Travels map of Paul V public domain https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Paulus_VI#/media/File:Foreign_trips_o f_Paul_VI.png • Pope Paul VI picture public domain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Paul_VI#/media/File:Paolovi.jpg

Prayer at the end of Mysterium Fidei May the most blessed Virgin Mary, from whom Christ the Lord took the flesh that "is contained, offered, received" in this Sacrament under the appearances of bread and wine, and may all the saints of God and especially those who were more inflamed with ardent devotion toward the divine Eucharist, intercede with the Father of mercies so that this common belief in the Eucharist and devotion to it may give rise among all Christians to a perfect unity of communion that will continue to flourish. (MYSTERIUM FIDEI 75)

Prayer by St Pope Paul VI Make us worthy Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, by our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, peace and joy. Amen.

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed Pope costume for St. Paul VI (if he is being impersonated) Map If You Tube video will be watched, then computer, projector, and screen. Sample craft project Craft supplies for slider craft • 2 sided slider craft onto white cardstock (1/project) • Scissors (1/project) • White glue (or narrow 1/8” double sided tape 15”/project) • Stapler and 2-3 staples /project Tissue to dab up excess glue if needed

Handouts needed

Volunteers needed Man to impersonate St. Paul VI Person(s) to prepare craft Assistants to help with craft (optional)

Advance preparation Pope costume for St. Paul VI (if he is being impersonated) Sample craft project made and displayed Print 2 sided slider craft onto white cardstock.

Saint script which attempts to focus of the Saint in relationship to the Eucharist, which is the diocesan focus ad reason for this lesson. (If not depicted, then Pronouns can mostly be changed to “he”) (See resources in the lesson plan, including What was Pope St. Paul VI's path to Sainthood? - Canonization 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usz8Kj3n8YU 3:24 , but

My name is Saint Pope Paul VI (the sixth), but when I was born, my parents named me Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini, but I was usually called Giovanni Battista Montini. There is a painting of me in your diocesan cathedral in Rapid City that has in the background a couple of buildings from where I was born in Concesio, Brescia, Italy. Religion and politics were both very important to my family and me as I was growing up. I lived during the time of two world wars and the government of Italy changed several times, including Fascism and Nazism… which both frowned on Catholicism. That was very challenging. I became a priest and went straight into work at the Vatican, working closely with three different popes. I directed the Vatican’s war relief, rescuing and hiding political refugees from the German and Italian forces, and resettling displaced persons. I was named archbishop of Milan, the largest diocese in Italy, with almost a thousand parishes before I was named as a cardinal, and then as pope. (It is a pius tradition to change one’s name when becoming Pope, like Jesus changing the name of Simon to Peter when he was named to lead the church as the first pope.) I took the name Paul to focus on spreading the Good News of Jesus following the example of the Apostle Saint Paul. I reconvened the second Vatican council, which had automatically closed when Pope John XXIII (23rd) died Vatican 2 called for reform, but also continuity with the Catholic past and confirmation of faith. During the council I officially named Mary Mother of the Church, I looked for balance with conflicting groups within Catholicism, and I sought dialogue with other Christians and other religions. The first conciliar document declared that “all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active, participation in liturgical celebrations, which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy… each person, minister or layman, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to his office (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) 14 and 28) Another document published just before the last session of the council stated, “The whole Church plays the role of priest and victim along with Christ, offering the Sacrifice of the Mass and itself completely offered in it.” (On the the Holy Eucharist (Mysterium Fidei) (MF) 31) In other words we offer ourselves into unity with God and with each other. Changes in liturgy were not meant to change the Eucharistic piety which has marked the Catholic Church since the earliest times. There are many “real presences of Christ, but in the Communion bread this presence is real and “substantial.” The consecrated host is not just a symbol. Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. (CCC 1418, MF 66) and the Tabernacle is to be situated “in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.” (CCC 1183, Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei: AAS (1965) 771.) How long is the fast time before Communion? Did you know the fast time used to start at midnight until the time of Communion? I changed that to one hour before communion. Besides updating the liturgy, there were also several changes in the Roman curia which acts in the Pope’s name and provides central organization for the Church. I sold the papal tiara, which was a hat that looked a little like a bee hive, and gave the money to charity. This act was a message that the pope was not a king, but a bishop, a pastor, and a servant Most Media distorted the conclusions of Vatican II with a liberal bias and I had to work on interpretations and implementations of Vatican II.

Other changes took place, too. How many of you have ridden in an airplane? Well I was the first pope to ride on an airplane and to travel outside the borders of Italy. That is hard to imagine with all the trips that current popes take. I took several (9) international journeys that brought me face-to-face with modern life throughout the world. My first trip was to Jerusalem On another trip to participate in the Eucharistic Congress in Bombay, India, I donated my luxury limousine to Mother Teresa for charity. I visited the United Nations and called for “No more war, war never again. It is peace, peace which must guide the destinies of peoples and of all mankind.” “The edifice of modern civilization has to be built on spiritual principles, for they are the only ones capable not only of supporting it, but of shedding light on it and inspiring it.” https://w2.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/speeches/1965/documents/hf_p- vi_spe_19651004_united-nations.html I also wrote an encyclical called “the Progress of Peoples” (“Populorum Progressio”), about growing economic extremes and charity towards the poor. I visited Fatima and Sister Lucia who was the last of the three children who witnessed apparitions of the Blessed Mother, Mary, and the “Miracle of the Sun” which danced and moved about in the sky there in Fatima. I named the first woman to the offices of the Vatican. I named Saint Teresa of Avilla and Saint Catherine of Sienna as the first women Doctors of the Church,. I wrote a letter, called Humane Vitae, On the Regulation of Birth with clear teachings about God's plan for married love, the transmission of life, and the concern for the loss of respect for both women and the unborn. It’s interesting that the two miracles which were affirmed for me to be canonized as a saint had to do with the unborn. I wrote more, but I’ll wrap up with my writing “On Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi) (EN)”. “…evangelization means bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself. (EN 18) “…people today listen “more willingly to witnesses than to teachers and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (EN 41)” Being witnesses is the responsibility of the Church, made up of both lay persons and the clergy “Evangelizing is, in fact, the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize, that is to say, in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God, and to perpetuate Christ’s sacrifice in the Mass, which is the memorial of his death and glorious resurrection.” (EN 14) …if the sacred liturgy holds first place in the life of the Church, then the Eucharistic Mystery stands at the heart and center of the liturgy, since it is the font of life that cleanses us and strengthens us to live not for ourselves but for God and to be united to each other by the closest ties of love. (Mysterium Fidei, 2) Through wars, controversy, and worldly challenges to morals and justice, I have remained faithful. Yours in Christ Saint Pope Paul VI (the sixth). (Introduce craft activity.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Paul_VI#/media/File:Paolovi.jpg

• Public Domainview terms • File:Paolovi.jpg

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Created: 31 December 1962

The Year of the Eucharist St Peter Julian Eymard

Event Saint Peter Julian Eymard (ay-mard) Event Category Saint Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Peter Julian Eymard and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event. Length of Time Needed Option 1: 20-30 minutes for the Saint portion (for the whole evening, which also includes a hymn, 1 hour, or if a meal or snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours) Option 2: 1 hour, if focusing solely on the Saint in an extended version, or, if a meal and snacks are included: 1.5-1.75 hours. Schedule of the Event This event could be done in 2 parts: first a Saint presentation, followed by a Hymn presentation, as outlined below. Or, you could extend part 1 and spend the whole time on the Saint, with fellowship and food. • Meal, with the whole community (optional, 30-45 minutes) • Part 1: Saint presentation & activity (20-30 minutes) • Break • Part 2: Hymn presentation (found in the Hymns section of the resources, 20-30 minutes) • Gather the whole community in the chapel for a testimony (5-7 minutes) • Closing prayer and blessing (5 minutes) • Snacks and fellowship (optional, and possible alternative to a meal, 15-30 minutes) Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints. Age level(s) Whole Community Review NA Preparation Prayer to Saint Peter Julian Eymard (enclosed in packet) Proclamation During the 1800’s, in Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s lifetime, French Catholicism was changing from a religion of guilt and fear to a religion based on God’s mercy and love. Saint Peter Julian’s devotion to the Eucharist led him through this transition and granted him the grace to lead others. He became the founder of two religious congregations: The Blessed Sacrament Congregation of priests and brothers, and in collaboration with Marguerite Guillot a congregation for women known as Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. He also established an association of lay people called the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Explanation Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s story may be told through his godmother’s eyes using the provided script. The script was written from his godmother’s perspective, but with some improvising, both Marianne, his godmother, and Annette, his adopted sister, could tell their brother’s story. Optionally, you could have someone dress up and tell the story in character, or you could have someone dress up as St. Peter and tell his story in the first person and answer questions. 59

Application Thank you dear godmother sun-catcher or card, using the tutorial found here: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tissue-Paper-Suncatchers

Pray the Prayer to St. Julian Eymard (attached). Celebration • Share a closing prayer. Please consider “Prayer for the Gift of Love in the Eucharist” (enclosed in packet) • If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer. Vocabulary google search pronunciation of French words Resources http://eymardianplaces.com http://blessedsacrament.com Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish Supplies needed improvised 1800’s French peasant costuming for one or two ladies (Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s sisters, Marianne and Annette) construction paper, tissue paper, clear contact paper, scissors, and crayons or markers for the sun-catcher project Handouts needed copies of prayers that you may want to read in unison Volunteers needed Leader one or two ladies to play the parts of Marianne and possibly Annette (by changing the pronouns in the script two ladies may share the telling of Saint Peter Julian’s life) Someone to tell St. Peter’s story in the first person and answer questions volunteers to guide the application portion (sun-catchers or thank you cards) Advance preparation practice with Marianne’s script (a little flavor of French may be fun and would probably be more fruitful) Saint costume and/or Marianne costume set up for sun-catcher or thank you card project

Script for Marianne, Saint Peter Julian Eymard's Sister & Godmother

Did you hear that? My baby brother a saint! Not only my baby brother, but my godson! My godson, Pierre-Julian Eymard (ay-mard) is a saint.

Pardon me. God humble me. You came here to learn about Saint Pierre-Julian Eymard, and I..... I am here to share his story with you.

Let me see. Stories need a place. La Mure, a market town, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps. You like that? Oui (yes), the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the French Alps.... Now hmmmmm! Stories need a beginning. I should start on February 4, 1811, our Saint Pierre-Julian's birthdate, but if you will allow, I feel I should share a little about the family he would join.

Our father, Monsieur Julian Eymard, was a cutler. A cutler, you ask? He made and sharpened knives. He also pressed oil from nuts and did some quarrying and farming. My mother, bless her soul, Madame Jeanne-Marie Eymard and my father had six children. But sorrow of sorrows! Poor Pere (father), he lost Mere (mother) and all their bebes (babies) except my older brother Antoine and myself. Praise be to God, Pere's piety and devotion to our Lord carried us through.

When I was five, God provided our sad little family with a new Mere. Marie was a devout Catholic and a true blessing from God. But, alas, three more bebes joined our Lord in heaven. And then, in the year I am twelve, on February 4, 1811, our story, Saint Pierre-Julian Eymard's story, begins. My bebe brother, my godson, our saint was born.

The very next day we presented our bebe to our dear priest for his baptism. See this? (hold out a piece of paper) Please, allow me to read the words inscribed here by God's servant Father Joseph Second. “On February 5, 1811, I solemnly baptized Pierre-Julian Eymard, son of the other Julian Eymard, the knife sharpener, residing in La Mure, and of Marie Pelorce, his wife. He had been born on the previous day. His godfather was Antoine Eymard, his brother, and the godmother was Marianne Eymard, his sister.” May I be humbled, I am the godmother of a saint.

Oh what happiness, what joy! The Sacrament of Baptism, so many graces, so many graces, and becoming a sharer in the priesthood of Christ! Listen to this,

(hold out a piece of paper) written by our saint in his thirty-second year. “On the eve, I recited the “Veni Creator” to implore the graces of the Holy Spirit on this small retreat to prepare myself for the anniversary of my baptism. I resolved to do as follows: page 1 First meditation, on sanctity as the goal of my baptism. Second meditation, on what makes someone lukewarm. Third meditation, on the love of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, under the protection of Saint Agatha.

Then three years later this letter, (hold out a piece of paper) written in our saint's hand, to, his godmother, me. “It is such a beautiful day for me, the most beautiful day of my life: this is the day that I had the joy of being baptized.... I owe you a lot, my dear godmother, for all of that vigilance that you exercised over me in my youth, and for all the pious practices that you suggested to me. Today all the days of my younger years are present to me in a particular manner, and I see great grace there.”

It should be no surprise, him being a saint. He was a pious child, but a child none the less. Allow me to share a few stories with you, both saintly and not!

When the church bells rang Mere would bundle up our bebe and off we would go to attend the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and to pray for the dying. The village church was like a home to us. Imagine the day our saint was four years old and I was sent searching for him. Guess where I found him! In his second home, our church, behind the main altar, perched on a step ladder, near the Tabernacle. And when I ask him to explain himself, he tells me, “I can hear Him much better from here.”

Like many younger brothers, Pierre admired our older brother who was commissioned by Napoleon's army. Now in those days, long ago, some important army officers wore plumes in their hats. I am afraid our little saint had a weak moment of covetousness. He stole a plume from a neighboring shop. Now be merciful, remember, he was young and temptation is strong. Pere helped his son correct this wrong and the hard lesson was not lost on our future saint.

Now, this story will be both saintly and not so saintly. Pierre was a very devout altar boy and loved to be the 'important' server who rang the bell. He even took the bell home at night so that he alone would be in possession of the bell for Mass the

62 next morning. Let me assure you this godmother made sure he recognized the vanity in his actions.

Somethings where a bit different so many years ago. We didn't take our first communion until after our twelfth birthday. Believe me, that was a long time for Pierre to wait. He was already so serious and committed to his Lord. He went without lunch during Lent and made Stations of the Cross every day. He even made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Notre-Dame du Laus. He walked all the thirty- seven miles from our home and back again. Then finally on Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday for you, Pierre-Julian made his first communion. The happiness that flooded his soul felt like heaven to him. page 2 Listen to this, (hold out a piece of paper) our saint's reflection on this most special of days: “When I pressed Jesus on my heart for the first time in Holy Communion, I promised Him: Yes, dear Lord, some day I will be a priest.”

So began our future saint's struggle. By now we had lost our older brother, Antoine, in Napoleon's war. Pere had no sons except Pierre-Julian. In our country, in our time, there was only one thing an only son could do. He needed to follow in his father's shoes. Even our priest agreed with Pere. Pierre-Julian's earthly duty was to marry and become a cutler. Praise to His mercy and graces, God's plans would prevail, but it would not be easy for any of us, especially not for our future saint.

Although it hurt Pierre-Julian to sorrow Pere, he continued following God's call. He returned to the shrine of Notre-Dame du Laus. While he was there he met Father Touche. This dear priest offered Pierre-Julian much needed support. He encouraged our saint to get an education and to learn Latin, In our place and time attending school was not a right, it was a privilege and it was not free. So our saint won a scholarship and he earned money to buy his own Latin textbooks.

Forgive me, of course, Father Touche gave our saint spiritual guidance too! He told Pierre-Julian to receive Holy Communion every Sunday. Again, in our place and time, things were different, and such frequent communion was uncommon. Many believed communion was a reward for the virtuous and should not be received frequently! And what would you expect? Who would help change that practice? Our saint? Yes, our saint!

At seventeen Pierre-Julian agreed to work in the hospice of St. Robert in exchange for more Latin lessons. The work was difficult and he missed us, as we missed

63 him. Sadly, during that time, we had to send word to him of our Mere's death. Upon this news he ran to the chapel, to confide in the Virgin Mary and returned to us. For the next ten months he mourned and celebrated with us and operated Pere's walnut press and delivered the oil. In June of 1829, God's summons led him to Marseilles to enter the novitiate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He devoted his himself passionately to the religious life for over five intense months. But then, alas, his fragile health sent him home to our tender care.

As our saint's health improved our dear Pere declined. On March 3, 1831, Pere left his earthly home to be with our Jesus. His hard work afforded his daughters, myself and our adopted Annette, a means to make a living. And for our brother to enter the major seminary at Grenoble with enough money to pay his tuition. Thanks be to God and all his graces! Finally our Pierre-Julian, at 23 years of age, was ordained a priest of the diocese of Grenoble on July 20, 1834 by Bishop Philippe de Bruillard. page 3 Again, his weak and fragile lungs sent him home for rest. Annette and I were blessed with three months of caring for our dear brother. Next the bishop sent him to assist an older and very capable priest. Our Father Pierre-Julian Eymard prayed before the Tabernacle, meditated, prepared his sermons and reviewed his theology. His attraction to the Real Presence was revealed through his conversations, instructions, and sermons. It was no surprise when the parishioners referred to our future saint as “the Blessed Sacrament Father.”

After three years of Eucharistic Life, the bishop appointed him pastor of the Monteynard parish. If you could call it a parish! When Annette and I joined our brother to aid him in that god-forsaken place we nearly gave in to despair. The French Revolution left this church a wreck of an old shell! These poor people had been without a priest for fifty years! They had few resources and frail spirits. Without the strength of the Blessed Sacrament it would have been hopeless, but our future saint was not dismayed. In a year's time our Father Eymard had made repairs to the physical church and the souls of Monteynard parishioners.

Father Eymard's bishop was amazed and asked, “How in the world did that young Father Eymard do it?” Annette and I were aware of his long vigils of adoration before the Tabernacle and skimping on his food, so others could be fed. Our future saint rightfully gave the credit to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament for the miracle of transformation in Monteynard. He stated, “What is really wrong with us, is that we do not make the Blessed Sacrament work enough. After all, is He not the God of heaven and earth?”

Poor Father Eymard, we so misunderstood him. He yearned to join the Marist, but Annette, myself, and his bishop didn't want to lose our zealous young priest. Reluctantly we finally approved of him entering the Society of Mary and in February of 1840 he made his profession. Thus began his four years as spiritual director at the Marist College of Belly, followed by about twelve years of ever changing, ever growing responsibilities. Through it all, our future saint had not changed, in all he said, in all he did, he glorified the Blessed Sacrament. Finally, at the Shrine of Fourviere, by a special grace of illumination, Our Lady requested him to found a Religious Society totally dedicated to honoring her Divine Son in the Blessed Sacrament.

Praise our Lord! Pope Pius IX approved Father Eymard's Eucharistic Project with these words, “I am convinced that the idea of the Eucharistic Foundation comes from God. The Church needs it. Let one take every means possible to make the Blessed Sacrament known.”

page 4 Our Lord's life began in a cattle stall and the new Foundation of the Blessed Sacrament was housed in a dilapidated building in the ghettos of Paris. Such humble beginnings! Taking turns every two hours, our future saint and Father De Cuers were before the Blessed Sacrament storming the heavens. The Foundation of the Blessed Sacrament's vision was to pair adoration with mission, so they preached, offered retreats, and prepared first communicants. Listen to the words our future saint used to describe their first catechism classes. “Those involved are children workers, vagabonds, or those placed in apprenticeship early and who have let the age of instruction for First Communion slip by... there are thousands of them in Paris. Rag-pickers, rope and match makers constitute the recruits from the workers' ranks, the rest were drawn from the ranks of the idlers, the indigent and beggars.”

Our Father Pierre-Julian Eymard became the beggar himself as he preached and pleaded for funds in the richer parishes of Paris. Imagine being a rag-picker, a child living on the streets and off the rubbish you found on the street. Our Father Aymard begged for new clothes for each and everyone of those poor children to wear for the receiving of their First Communion! With passing time more priests joined Father Eymard and declared their vows to the service of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. They were doing their work of perpetual adoration in other

65 cities in France and Belgium.

God's plan through our Saint Pierre-Julian Eymard was coming true. Communities of priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, and lay people were living lives of total dedication to the Eucharist and faith deepened through prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The driving passion of our saint's life, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, was being realized in the preparation of poor children and adults for First Communion.

In 1866 our brother's fragile health worsened. He wrote to us of shingles, his 'belt of fire', migraines, his 'crown of thorns', and his suffering lungs. In July of 1868 he returned to our house for the last time. He was partially paralyzed and losing his speech. Our dear Saint Pierre-Julian Eymard received the eucharist and last rights of the Catholic Church and he went to heaven.

page 5

PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF LOVE IN THE EUCHARIST

Gracious God of our ancestors, you led Peter Julian Eymard, like Jacob in times past, on a journey of faith.

Under the guidance of your gentle Spirit, Peter Julian discovered the gift of love in the Eucharist which your Son Jesus offered for the hungers of humanity.

Grant that we may celebrate this mystery worthily, adore it profoundly, and proclaim it prophetically for your greater glory. Amen.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Apostle of the Eucharist, pray for us!

Prayer to Saint Peter Julian Eymard

St Peter Julian, the Lord has given you, as he once did to Jacob, His servant, an ever-searching faith. All your life long, you have sought the way to deepen your union with God and to satisfy the hungers of humanity.

In the Eucharist, you have discovered the answer to your searching: God’s love was there for you and for all humanity. Answering this gift of love, you made the gift of yourself to God and you have given of yourself to the service of His people.

Your life, modeled on that of the Cenacle, where Mary and the apostles were united in prayer, inspired your disciples to live in an atmosphere of prayer. Their apostolic zeal caused them to build Christian communities where the Eucharist is the center and source of life.

Saint Peter Julian, accompany us on our journey of faith. May our ardent prayer and our generous service help us to contribute to the establishing of a world where there is justice and peace. May our celebrations of the Eucharist proclaim the liberating love of God for the renewal of His church and the coming of His kingdom. Amen.

St Peter Julian Eymard, Pray for us!

The Year of the Eucharist St Thomas Aquinas

Event Saint Thomas Aquinas

Event Category Saint

Brief Description of Event To introduce Saint Thomas Aquinas and his connection to the Eucharist through a whole community event.

Goal To inspire us to fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist through the stories, witness, and imitation of the saints.

Age level(s) Whole Community

Review NA

Preparation Leader’s choice of opening prayers plus Saint Thomas Aquinas’ prayer: Grant us, O Lord our God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen

Proclamation The Count of Aquino, a wealthy nobleman, had several sons. The older sons were eager to go out, fight wars, and bring more wealth to their family. But the youngest was clearly different. He was quiet and clumsy. He liked to

study and pray. He loved God above all else and was consumed with a desire to understand God and explain God to others. Today we know nothing of the older brothers who sought fortune and fame, yet the youngest was declared “the most brilliant light of the Church” by Pope Pius V. The brother that was known as ‘the dumb ox’ used his gifts to serve God. He is a Doctor of the Church and is known for his volumes upon volumes of writings on philosophy and theology. His love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament led him to write prayers and hymns that we use to honor the Eucharist. Today our faith and worship are strongly influenced by the brilliant and humble Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Explanation • Share one of the youtube videos referenced in the resources, as an introduction. • Share the story of Saint Thomas and of his Eucharistic hymns (story attached). Optionally, you could have someone dress up as St. Thomas and tell his story in the first person and answer questions. In addition to the attached, you can find more information about his story here: https://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/stthomasaquinas.asp • Share the youtube video of “Adoro Te Devote” by Saint Thomas, or if you don’t have the means to share a youtube video, the English words to “Adoro Te Devote” is enclosed and can be read aloud, or you could sing this hymn – the English version is “Godhead Here in Hiding” and is found in most hymnals.

Application If you are adventurous, have access to large wing feathers, and sharp Xacto knives, adults may make quill pens. Google search ‘diy quill pen’, ‘Storm the Castle’ offers a nice youtube lesson. Ink may be made with 1/2 cup filtered blueberry juice, 1/2 tsp vinegar, and 1/2 salt. Try them out on heavier paper and appreciate Saint Thomas Aquinas and the many scribes work.

Younger participants may color the enclosed picture while waiting for a turn to try using quill pens.

You might hand out the “Mass Prayers” (attached) written by St. Thomas Aquinas, to be prayed before and after Mass.

Celebration • Share Saint Thomas Aquinas’ quote: “The proper effect of the Eucharist is the transformation of man into God.” • Those in attendance may join in praying the prayer to Saint Thomas Aquinas. (enclosed in the packet) • Offer a closing prayer. • If you are opting to do Part 2, take a break and then move to Part 2 of the event, using the lesson plan for teaching a hymn – you can choose from the many hymn options offered. • At the very end of the event, bring the whole community in the chapel for a testimony and closing prayer. If possible, have some social time after the closing prayer.

Vocabulary

Resources Google search for one of three choices of youtube videos for an introduction. 7 reasons to Love Thomas Aquinas, Dr. Taylor Marshall (9:23 minutes) Saint Thomas Aquinas - The Angelic Doctor, University of Santo Tomas (5:08 minutes animated) 12 Stories about St. Thomas Aquinas by Peter Kreeft (12 minutes audio only) Youtube video of Adoro Te Devote

Meal or snacks Will there be a meal or snacks as part of this event, beginning or end of event, how long, what prep is needed -- to be determined by the Parish

Testimony Will there be a testimony as part of this event, who will give it, how long -- to be determined by the Parish

Supplies needed technological tools to share youtube videos turkey or goose wing feathers, Xacto knives, cutting boards, pieces of heavier paper, berry juice, vinegar, and salt

Handouts needed Saint Thomas Aquinas prayers coloring sheets novenas (if desired)

Volunteers needed Leader Someone to tell St. Thomas’ story and answer questions tech support adults to teach others how to make quill pens

Advance preparation copy off prayers and coloring sheets practice making quill pens Saint costume

PRAYER TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

O Angelic Doctor, Holy Thomas, prince of theologians and pattern of philosophers, bright ornament of the Christian world, light of the Church, heavenly patron of Catholic schools, who taught wisdom without invention, and shared it without grudging, pray to Wisdom Himself, the Son of God, for us. Pray that the Spirit of Wisdom having come into us, we may understand those things which you taught, and perform in imitation the things which you did. Pray also that we may be made partakers in the learning and virtues with which you while on earth did shine as the sun, and finally that with you in Heaven we may enjoy forever their most sweet fruits, praising with you Divine Wisdom, through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

A PRAYER BEFORE MASS (by St. Thomas Aquinas)

Almighty and everlasting God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: I come as one infirm to the physician of life, as one unclean to the fountain of mercy, as one blind to the light of everlasting brightness, as one poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore I implore the abundance of Thy measureless bounty that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to heal my infirmity, wash my uncleanness, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty and clothe my nakedness, that I may receive the Bread of Angels, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, with such reverence and humility, with such sorrow and devotion, with such purity and faith, with such purpose and intention as may be profitable to my soul's salvation. Grant unto me, I pray, the grace of receiving not only the Sacrament of our Lord's Body and Blood, but also the grace and power of the Sacrament. O most gracious God, grant me so to receive the Body of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, which He took from the Virgin Mary, as to merit to be incorporated into His mystical Body, and to be numbered amongst His members. O most loving Father, give me grace to behold forever Thy beloved Son with His face at last unveiled, whom I now purpose to receive under the sacramental veil here below. Amen.

THANKSGIVING AFTER MASS (by St. Thomas Aquinas)

Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank You for even though I am a sinner, your unprofitable servant, not because of my worth but in the kindness of your mercy, You have fed me with the Precious Body & Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in the power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to you, the One true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with You. And I pray that You will lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where you, with Your Son and holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness to your saints. grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Saint Thomas Aquinas' Eucharistic Hymns

Although Saint Thomas Aquinas produced only one hundred and eighty-eight lines, he is recognized as a great hymnologists. The five hymns written by Saint Thomas, Lauda Sion, Pange Lingua, Sacris Solemniis, Verbum Supernum, and Adoro Te Devote are a marvel. They are a wonderful gift offered by a man who was heavy with responsibilities and undertakings. When we consider his busy life of study, teaching, traveling, counseling, and writing it is no surprise he did not write more poetry.

At five years of age Thomas began his education under the Benedictine monks of Monte Cassino. There, his instructions included grammar, logic, and the art of persuasive speaking and writing in Latin. In the surroundings of Monte Cassino the poetry and music of Ambrosian hymns filled young Thomas' soul.

In Thomas' early teen years a military conflict resulted in his being sent to a university in Naples. While at Naples, Thomas met a Dominican preacher who influenced him to join the Dominican Order. When Thomas' family learned of his decision his mother sent his brothers to capture him and return him to their castle. He was held captive by his family for over a year before his mother relented and arranged for his escape through a window. In the year of 1244 Thomas Aquinas joined the Dominican order.

His education continued in Paris and Cologne. Thomas was quiet and seldom spoke up in classes at the university. Many students suspected he was mentally delayed, but his mentor prophetically said, “You call him the dumb ox, but in his teaching, he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world.” Eventually he instructed students on the Bible in both Cologne and Paris. At this time he began writing his many famous works. The actual dates of his writing the five Eucharistic hymns is uncertain, but it is likely it would have been near the late 1250's through the 1260's.

A quote from the mid-1800's described Saint Thomas Aquinas' “Adoro Te Devote” in this way, “The following hymn of Saint Thomas Aquinas to the Holy Eucharist was never in public use in the Medieval Church; but it has been appended, as a private devotion, to most Missals. It is worthy of notice how the Angelic Doctor (Saint Thomas), as if afraid to employ any pomp of words on approaching so tremendous a Mystery, has used the very simplest expressions throughout.”

Let's take a few moments to listen to this selection: (Google search Adoro Te Devote by St. Thomas Aquinas, choose Catholic Adoration Hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas COMPLETE Christus Vincit it is a 4:17 youtube video sung in Latin with a quality slide show)

ADORO TE DEVOTE

O Godhead hid, devoutly I adore Thee, Adoro te devote, latens Deitas, Who truly art within the forms before me; Quae sub his figuris vere latitas; To Thee my heart I bow with bended knee, Tibi se cor meum totum subiicit, As failing quite in contemplating Thee. Quia te contemplans, totum deficit.

Sight, touch, and taste in Thee are each Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur, deceived; Sed auditu solo tuto creditur; The ear alone most safely is believed: Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius, I believe all the Son of God has spoken, Nil hoc verbo veritatis verius. Than Truth's own word there is no truer token. In Cruce latebat sola Deitas. God only on the Cross lay hid from view; At hic latet simul et humanitas: But here lies hid at once the Manhood too: Ambo tamen credens, atgue confitens, And I, in both professing my belief, Peto quod petivit latro paenitens. Make the same prayer as the repentant thief. Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor, Thy wounds, as Thomas saw, I do not see; Deum tamen meum te confiteor: Yet Thee confess my Lord and God to be: Fac me tibi semper magis credere, Make me believe Thee ever more and more; In te spem habere, te diligere. In Thee my hope, in Thee my love to store. O memoriale mortis Domini, O thou Memorial of our Lord's own dying! Panis vivus vitam praestans homini: O Bread that living art and vivifying! Praesta meae menti de te vivere, Make ever Thou my soul on Thee to live; Et te illi semper dulce sapere. Ever a taste of Heavenly sweetness give. Pie pellicane Iesu Domine, O loving Pelican! O Jesu, Lord! Me immundum munda tuo Sanguine: Unclean I am, but cleanse me in Thy Blood; Cuius una stilla salvum facere Of which a single drop, for sinners spilt, Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere. Is ransom for a world's entire guilt. Iesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio, Jesu! Whom for the present veil'd I see, Oro, fiat illud, quod tam sitio, What I so thirst for, O vouchsafe to me: Ut te revelata cernens facie, That I may see Thy countenance unfolding, Visu sim beatus tuae gloriae. Amen. And may be blest Thy glory in beholding. Amen.

(St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. E. Caswall.)