This weekend, on Friday and Saturday, the Archdiocese of Atlanta sponsored its Eucharistic Congress as we continue to focus on our devotion to the Eucharist. This Sunday, we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. We as Catholics, on this feast of Corpus Christi, are blessed to have such high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.
Pope Francis invites the faithful to have a hunger for the Eucharist. He stated, “The Body of Christ is the bread of the end times, capable of giving life, and eternal life because the substance is this bread of love.” The Pope reiterated that Christ is Himself, “the living bread that gives life to the world.” As we reflect on these profound words of the Holy Father, we are challenged to truly hunger for the spiritual food that Our Lord provides.
The following prayer, “Anima Christi”, taken from “Catholic Prayer of the Eucharist”, reflects our great appreciation for the gift of the Eucharist.
As we reflect on this prayer, we know that priests are essential to the celebration of the Eucharist. We also know that changes in assignments are expected in the life of a priest. Changes can help provide a broad base of experience for a priest and may help him grow in his priestly ministry. As part of this process, we have recently been informed that effective July 1, Fr. Peter Ha will be leaving us to serve at Our Lady of Vietnam parish and minister to that primarily Vietnamese community. Fr. Michael Bremer will be joining our parish as our new parochial vicar. Fr. Michael will soon meet with me and Fr. Peter to discuss his new assignment and is excited about becoming part of our parish family.
As we celebrate the great feast of Corpus Christi, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks”. May we truly give thanks for our faith, for our priests, for the Eucharistic Congress, and for the spiritual home, we call Saint Brigid.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me and bid me come unto thee,
That with thy saints I may praise Thee forever and ever.
Amen.