Eucharistic Revivals draw hundreds throughout the diocese

By Carissa Krautscheid 
 
In July, 88,000 Catholics are estimated to gather for the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis for a week with renowned speakers and Catholic leaders, including Bishop Edward Weisenburger.  
 
Across the nation, dioceses and parishes are hosting Eucharistic processions, pilgrimages, mission series, and discussions to lead Catholics toward a deeper appreciation for the Source and Summit of the Catholic faith. 
 
The Diocese of Tucson joined the rest of the United States in a local Eucharistic Revival. Nearly 500 Catholics gathered at two sessions intended to reignite an understanding of and love for the Eucharist.  
 
In Globe, east of Phoenix, 300 Catholics joined Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas from across the Gila-Pinal East Vicariate including Kearny, Hayden, San Carlos, Miami, Superior, Payson, Safford, Morenci, San Manuel, and Oracle. Bishop Kicanas talked “about the significance of believing the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity,” shared Father Albert Miranda, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Globe. “He also talked about how the Eucharist fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart and soul. During the second session, Bishop Kicanas gave an in-depth explanation of the parts of the Holy Mass and the importance of paying attention to what is being celebrated on the Altar. He reminded the people that they are not mere spectators at Mass. Instead, the Church encourages them to have full, conscious, and active participation during the sacred celebration.” 
 
In Tucson, 200 Catholics gathered from across the diocese, representing Casa Grande, Yuma, Willcox, Maricopa, Sierra Vista, San Tan Valley, Nogales, Sahuarita, Sells, Benson, Eloy, Tubac, Marana, Oracle, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Vail, and all over Tucson. Guest speaker, Father Frank DiSiano, C.S.P., celebrated Masses at St. Augustine Cathedral then guided three sessions: scriptural foundations for the Eucharist, the Mass, and the commission of being sent out. The afternoon culminated in Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, and praying the Rosary with Bishop Weisenburger. 
 
Fr. DiSiano emphasized that ‘Eucharist’ is a verb meaning ‘I give thanks.’ “We respond to God from our need for him,” said Fr. DiSiano. “We thank him with our actions and show thanks by the way we live. If we are called by God, we are also encountered by God. We encounter the very person of Christ.” 
 
During the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer is one great prayer of thanksgiving celebrated by the congregation. “We will never have words to fully explain the moment of Transubstantiation,” said Fr. DiSiano, “when the substance and reality of bread and wine become the substance and reality of the Body and Blood of Christ.” 
 
By consuming the Eucharist, “we become what we eat (Christ) and live as Christ in the world,” said Fr. DiSiano. 
 
The final words of the Liturgy are, “The Mass has ended. Go in peace.” The word ‘Mass’ comes from ‘Missa,’ meaning ‘sent.’ “We are commissioned to be missionary disciples to bring hope and the Good News to the world,” said Fr. DiSiano. “We are sent out to our daily lives to bring the transformation of the Holy Spirit into our daily actions. The Eucharist transforms our lives into joy and of others. Parishes should be centers of welcome, refuge, and renewal. We are called to be instruments of healing, welcome, and generosity.” 
 
After the conference in Globe, Fr. Miranda said, “The people from the various parish communities were very delighted about the conference, sharing how their faith has been strengthened not only by the sessions conducted by the Bishop-Emeritus but also by the mere fact of just meeting and talking with other members of our diocese from other parishes, which they don't always experience, considering the vast expanse of the vicariate and the diocese. My parishioners shared with me that the event was edifying and that it has helped them to be more aware and in awe when attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.” 
 
Bishop Kicanas and Fr. DiSiano encouraged Catholics to answer the call to conversion and to give thanks in the fullness of the Eucharist. Fr. DiSiano concluded, “To receive the Eucharist is to receive liberation.”