Flemington parish priest delivers lecture on Liturgy of the Eucharist

FLEMINGTON -- In June, Bishop James F. Checchio launched the yearlong National Eucharistic Revival for the diocese at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio said that the revival will be “a chance to renew the Church by enkindling a relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” a renewed awareness of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the importance of it the daily lives of the faithful.

From June 2023 to June 2024, the revival will focus on the parish level, culminating in Indianapolis for the first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost 50 years. 

At Mass Oct. 21 at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Father Matthew Marinelli, parochial vicar, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, gave the second in a series of lectures sponsored by the diocese. He first spoke about the liturgy of the Eucharist and then celebrated a votive Mass for the Holy Eucharist. (Stmagdalen.org, livestreaming, October 21 Eucharistic Revival).

Father Marinelli’s goal was to provide insights that the faithful may have overlooked in the past. Three points caught the attention of the listeners: the times of silence, the three sections of the Preface prayer, and thadt the paten and cup raised together after the consecration represent the resurrection.

Throughout the Mass, there are several times of silence or silent prayer, which Father Marinelli explained that the faithful may be tempted to relax when in actuality, they should be paying attention and be a part of the dialogue, even if it is silent.

During the presentation of the gifts, as the bread and wine are brought to the altar, the faithful should offer to God the Father all that we are and thank God for what he has done for us. A few minutes later, when a drop of water is added to the wine, the water is consumed by the wine and becomes a part of it, so too, the faithful should ask that they may become consumed into Christ’s divine nature as he took on human nature and become man.

After the Lamb of God prayer, as the priest prays quietly, the faithful should be praying to remain connected with Our Lord and to acknowledge that the Eucharist leads to eternal life.

The Preface prayer is different for each Mass, yet has three similar sections. The first section encourages the faithful to focus on what is taking place on the altar and to lift up their hearts to God. The middle section mentions the doctrine or reality of the faith that is being celebrated in the particular Mass and how it ties in with the Holy Eucharist. The final section of the Preface and the Holy, Holy, Holy, enable the faithful to recognize that the angels and saints surround the altar with us while praising God in the Holy Mass and soon, under the appearance of bread and wine, Jesus will be in our midst.

Finally, Father Marinelli noted that there are two consecrations; first of the Body and then the Blood of Christ, symbolizing his death on Calvary, while we see the living Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. A few seconds later, when the priest raises both the Host and Cup together, we are to remember Jesus’ resurrection.  

The next lecture, entitled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” is scheduled to be presented by Father Timothy Christy, Cathedral rector, Jan. 17, 2023. (DioceseofMetuchen.org, Eucharistic Revival).

Szmul is a member of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish