Our Favorite Books, Articles and Videos On the Eucharist
One of the blessings of being involved in the Eucharistic Revival is increased awareness of the plethora of truly wonderful books, videos, websites, podcasts, blogs and other mass media posts that we might not have otherwise encountered. Some are merely informative, others inspirational, but all help us to appreciate, understand, and believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist so that we might have a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus. Each member of the Eucharistic revival team has chosen to share a few of their favorite resources with you.
Deacon George Thierjung
Book: “The Holy Bread of Eternal Life: Restoring Eucharistic Reverence in an Age of Impiety”, by Peter Kwasniewski. Patterned after Saint Thomas’ Summa, it addresses the decades of Eucharistic abuses and shows us that there is nothing, I truly mean nothing, more potent and strong a weapon for the revitalizing of the Church. This book is a good read and detailed par excellence in everything about the Eucharist.
Book: “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World”, presented by the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Society, gives us snap shots of all the most important Eucharistic Miracles since Christ as recognized by the Church and made a part of the Vatican International Exhibition, along with saints’ reflections on the Eucharist. This is a great way to begin the journey to a more firm belief.
Book: “The Eucharist is Really Jesus”, by Joe Heschmeyer (Catholic Answers Press). The author shows us how belief in the Church’s doctrine about the Eucharist is not an end in itself but a beginning to a deeper relationship with Christ. Interesting read that takes time to fully digest.
Dave Podlecki & Irene Olijnyk
YouTube video: “Prepare For The Eucharist By Going To Confession”. Fr. Larry Richards simplifies confession for men in this 12 minute presentation originally given at the 2015 North Texas Catholic Men’s Conference. A must see for all men. A real eye opener.
Book: “Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska”. See the Eucharist through the eyes of a saint. Your awareness of His presence in the Eucharist will be deepened after this read. Or, you can subscribe and listen to a daily podcast by the Marian Fathers who read the diary over the course of one year at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saint-faustinas-diary-in-a-year/id1559732547
Book: “7 Secrets of the Eucharist”, by Vinny Flynn. I first read this book in 2009 and have revisited it multiple times since. Each time I learn something new. Even if you are not in the book club, consider reading this gem. The office has some extra books for sale.
Podcast: “FORMED Daily Reflections”. Dr. Timothy Gray, President of the Augustine Institute, presents a theologian’s succinct and insightful reflections on the daily Mass readings. For instructions to open a free FORMED account (sponsored by our parish), click here.
Dennis & Angela Graham
Youtube video: “What Early Christians Believed About the Eucharist.” One of the more interesting of the Pints With Aquinas episodes, is this succinct (14 minute) video. It compares Catholic belief in the Eucharist to those of several Protestant denominations. It then examines the historical beliefs of the Church dating back to the first century to determine what the earliest Christians believed. Spoiler alert: Not much has changed over 2000 years for us Catholics!
Youtube video: “It’s Time for Eucharistic Revival”. Bishop Barron is a remarkable Catholic intellect blessed with the ability to explain complex theology in terms we can all understand. In this 30 minute episode of his Word on Fire Show, Brandon Vogt interviews Bishop Barron about the birth of, motivation behind, and hopes for the Eucharistic Revival. He also explains, as only Bishop Baron can, the etymology of the word “consubstantiation.”
Video/Podcast: “The Sacrament of the Eucharist”. We enjoy Fr. Mike Schmitz self-effacing, “aw shucks” demeanor in his videos and Bible in a Year podcast. “Day 181” of his current Catechism in a Year podcast is a keeper. This informative 14.5-minute video explains paragraphs 1328-1332 of the Catechism which lists many of the given names for the Eucharist, each evoking certain aspects of the Eucharist worthy of contemplation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXoaD6HWLN8 (Youtube doesn’t allow us to embed the video here)
Video/Podcast: “How We Worship” Bonus recommendation”. In “Day 144” of his Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Schmitz interviews Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Chairman of the Eucharistic Revival (ER). They discuss Pillar 2 of the Catechism and describe the goals of the ER in detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAHNqotzFlA (Youtube doesn’t allow us to embed the video here)
