In traditional Catholic theology, the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ which is transfigured from ordinary bread and wine.
What happens during Holy Communion?
The priest blesses and prays over the host and wine and asks for the presence of God. The host and wine become the presence of Jesus when taken into the body and this is called transubstantiation. Christ becomes present and there is a union between God and the celebrant when the host is swallowed. The Council "Sacra Tridentina Synodus declared that the purpose of Holy Communion is to be united with God and to please him. The right intention is also important.
Mystical dwelling places
According to Judeo-Christian traditions, the Ark of the Covenant is the presence of God transcending out from the Holy of Holies. The Lord directed the Israelites to make the ark of acacia wood and gold covering. It was to be a sacred dwelling place revered by the Israelites; however, only the High Priest of the Levitical tribe of Israel could be near the ark.
In the Catholic church the bread and wine is stored on an altar where the cyborium, a chalice with a bowl, is used to place the sacred host. It is often covered with gold or silver and is placed on an altar. A pyx, a small container, is used to store the host and is taken to the sick so that they may receive communion. The chalice, usually made of gold and silver, stores the wine.
The Last Supper
According to Luke 22, verse 19 , Jesus said to his disciples at the last supper: “This is my body which as been broken up for you, do this is remembrance of me…and this is my blood, of the new and everlasting covenant, it was shed for you.” This act is a covenant between Christ and the devotee.
How to prepare for the First Holy Communion
Before one can qualify to receive Holy Communion, one must be baptized which usually occurs during infancy. The child then becomes a baptized Catholic free from original sin. Original means the first sins of Adam and Eve. After studying biblical church doctrine and attending their first confession, children between 10 and 12 years of age participate in their first Holy Communion. During this time the children get a sponser to be their God parent. It is an important ceremony where both boys and girls wear beautiful white attire. Families celebrate the communion usually with a party at home. After this first ritual, the faithful can received communion as often as they like provided they go to confession and ask God to forgive them for their sins. One must be truly sorry.
Receiving communion is receiving a miracle. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the result of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross which fulfills the New Testament teaching that Jesus died for the sins of mankind and that his death promises eternal life. This is why Catholics are reminded of the importance of Holy Communion. It gives the individual a blessing and a miracle.
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