by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

The doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist stands at the heart of our Catholic faith and practice. We believe that during the Mass, the bread and wine offered during the Eucharist become the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

This mystery of faith is deeply tied to the life of saints, and one of the most modern examples of a profound witness to this belief is Blessed Carlo Acutis. A young Italian boy who passed away at a tender age, Carlo’s love for the Eucharist and his dedication to spreading the message of the Real Presence continues to inspire many, especially our youth.

Today let us explore the significance of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, as well as the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

This past Sunday I was asked to be a guest speaker at St. Thomas Apostle Church’s LIFE Teen Ministry. The topic of discussion was The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I was excited about giving the talk, because I enjoy breaking down these topics where it really is able to connect. The reaction was quite positive, as our teens sometimes need to be spoken to in a way that makes sense. We accomplished that feat on Sunday evening. 

The concept of the Real Presence has roots in several biblical texts and Church teachings. The Gospels recount Jesus at the Last Supper, where He establishes the Eucharist.

For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then He takes a cup filled with wine and says, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant.”

This institution of the Eucharist is also found in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, and it is further emphasized in St. Paul’s letters, who reiterate the command to celebrate the Eucharist. The early Church understood the significance of the Eucharist as a participation in the sacrifice of Christ.

As the Church evolved, particularly in the works of the Church Fathers, the understanding of the Real Presence developed, asserting that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the words of consecration spoken by the priest.

There of course were challenges to the beliefs, during a time where The Council of Trent (1545-1563), addressing the Protestant Reformation, reaffirmed the doctrine of the Real Presence, stating, “Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church… that it is his true body and blood.”

This strong declaration places the Eucharist as central to our Catholic worship and spirituality. The Real Presence underscores the belief that Jesus is present not just symbolically, but truly and substantially in the Eucharist, providing nourishment for the soul and uniting us with Him and one another.

Of course, after a brief history, it was time to have a discussion about the word “faith”.

Faith is not simply a human opinion or belief, but a grace from God, helping individuals to believe in what He has revealed. Jesus told us that those who will believe without seeing for themselves will be uniquely blessed. Such belief is not foolish credulity or gullibility as God offers abundant evidence from multiple first-hand witnesses in the Bible.

The Real Presence embodies the mystery of faith, the deep communion with Christ and His people, and the sacrificial love of Jesus. Through the reception of the Eucharist, the faithful enter into a personal relationship with Christ, which strengthens their faith and commitment to living a life modeled on His teachings.

Moreover, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist serves as a reminder, God became man and thus the act of Christ’s sacrifice. It calls the faithful to recognize the importance of the sacraments in their spiritual journey and encourages a life of holiness, charity, and community.

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents, but he spent much of his life in Milan, Italy. From a young age, Carlo exhibited a profound faith and a keen interest in technology. He was often seen as a computer-savvy youth, keen to blend his passions for both faith and innovation. Carlo’s parents, though not particularly religious, fostered an environment where faith was respected and encouraged.

Carlo’s passion for the Eucharist was striking. He would attend Mass regularly and made it a point to receive communion every day. According to those who knew him, Carlo often said that “the Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.” He understood the significance of the Real Presence and the gift that the Eucharist provided, not only for himself but for the entire Church.

In his youth, Carlo became aware of the various Eucharistic miracles that had taken place throughout history. This interest led him to compile a website dedicated to documenting these miracles, which aimed to educate others about the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The website showcased his talent in technology, bringing together his faith and his knowledge, all while evoking a sense of wonder about the mystery of Christ’s presence.

Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15. He used his time to continue to spread his love for the Eucharist and evangelize those around him. His life ended on October 12, 2006, but his legacy continued to grow. Blessed Carlo Acutis was beatified on October 10, 2020, and is often referred to as the “patron saint of the internet.”

His story serves as an inspiration for young people particularly, encouraging them to explore their faith in creative and innovative ways. My teenage audience was very interested in this.

Blessed Carlo Acutis understood the importance of modern means of communication. He harnessed the power of the internet to evangelize and share the message of the Real Presence. His website on Eucharistic miracles not only reflected his faith but also demonstrated his ability to reach a broader audience, showing scientific proof of the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 

Carlo’s outreach through technology is especially relevant in today’s digital age, as it shows how faith can be effectively communicated through various platforms. I told my teenage friends that his efforts serve as a reminder that each generation of Catholics who are called to discover new ways to evangelize and share the Good News. Carlo viewed the internet as a gift from God that could be used for higher purposes.

By sharing the wonders of the Eucharist and its miracles, he provided a resource for those who may be searching for deeper truth and the meaning in their faith.

As a young person beatified in modern times, Carlo Acutis serves as an exceptional role model for today’s youth. He embodies the balance between contemporary interests and deep faith. Young believers are often in search of authentic figures who inspire them to live out their faith in a world that can often seem disconnected from spirituality. Carlo’s life is an example that many of our teens could follow going forward.

Young people are especially drawn to Carlo’s relatable nature and his humorous personality. He did not shy away from enjoying life or engaging with his friends.

Instead, he sought to incorporate his relationship with Jesus into every aspect of his life. This holistic integration of faith, fun, and technology continues to speak to the hearts of today’s youth, encouraging them to embrace their own passions while remaining faithful to their beliefs.

The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is a profound mystery that lies at the heart of Catholic faith. But I encourage you to visit Blessed Carlos Acutis web page. Look at the scientific evidence shown of the miracles documented. Results showing Bleeding tissue, heart tissue with AB type blood, of a man who had a heart that was stressed by something like a crucifixion.

Take the time to read on the web page. It will be eye opening.

As we seek to understand and embrace the gift of the Eucharist, we are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis, allowing our faith to guide our actions and using our talents to proclaim the beauty of the Real Presence of Christ. 

I encourage you to use this Lenten Season to visit and come home to the church. Jesus is there, flesh and blood, waiting for you. Peace my Brothers and Sisters until next week…