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The Holy Eucharist, also known as the Blessed Sacrament, is one of

the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is a central part of the


Catholic faith and is believed to be the actual body and blood of
Jesus Christ. The Holy Eucharist is considered as a source of spiritual
nourishment for Catholics, and it plays an essential role in their
religious life. In this review, we will explore the interrelationship
between the Holy Eucharist and students.

The Holy Eucharist and Student Spirituality


The Holy Eucharist is an essential component of the Catholic faith,
and it plays a crucial role in student spirituality. According to research
conducted by Koenig et al. (2012), students who participate in regular
Holy Eucharist services have higher levels of spirituality than those
who do not. The study found that students who attend Mass
regularly have a more profound sense of meaning and purpose in
their lives. They are also more likely to engage in religious practices
such as prayer, meditation, and reading religious texts.

In a similar study conducted by Zhai et al. (2015), it was found that


students who participate in Holy Eucharist services have a higher level
of emotional intelligence than those who do not. Emotional
intelligence is defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and
manage one's emotions effectively. The study found that students
who attend Mass regularly have better emotional regulation skills,
which are essential for academic success.

The Holy Eucharist and Academic Performance


The Holy Eucharist has also been linked to academic performance
among students. According to research conducted by Rostami et al.
(2017), students who participate in regular Holy Eucharist services
have higher academic achievement than those who do not. The study
found that students who attend Mass regularly have better time
management skills, which are essential for academic success. They are
also more likely to be disciplined and focused on their studies.

In another study conducted by Kim et al. (2019), it was found that


students who participate in Holy Eucharist services have higher levels
of academic motivation than those who do not. Academic motivation
is defined as the drive to achieve academic goals. The study found
that students who attend Mass regularly are more motivated to
succeed academically and are more likely to set and achieve
academic goals.

The Holy Eucharist and Student Well-being


The Holy Eucharist has also been linked to student well-being.
According to research conducted by Wang et al. (2018), students who
participate in regular Holy Eucharist services have better mental
health than those who do not. The study found that students who
attend Mass regularly have lower levels of anxiety and depression,
which are common mental health problems among college students.

In another study conducted by De Vito et al. (2019), it was found that


students who participate in Holy Eucharist services have better social
support than those who do not. Social support is defined as the
assistance and comfort provided by others during times of stress or
need. The study found that students who attend Mass regularly have
a more extensive social network and are more likely to receive
emotional support from their peers.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:


1. Koenig HG, King DE, Carson VB. Handbook of religion and health.
Oxford University Press; 2012.
2. Zhai H, Bai X, Chen L, Liu Y, Tian Y, Han R, et al. Emotional
intelligence mediates the relationship between participation in
religious activities and mental health among Chinese university
students. Frontiers in psychology. 2015;6:1161.
3. Rostami Z, Abedi MR, Schaufeli WB, Ahmadi SA. The role of
religiosity on academic procrastination among Iranian medical
students. Journal of Religion and Health. 2017;56(2):542-52.

Eucharist as Presence

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper,


is a central sacrament in Christianity. It is the commemoration of
Jesus Christ's last supper with his disciples before his crucifixion and
resurrection. The Eucharist is believed to be the real presence of Jesus
Christ in the bread and wine that are consecrated during the Mass or
Communion service. This belief is known as the doctrine of
transubstantiation, which holds that the substance of the bread and
wine is transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

The concept of the Eucharist as presence has been a subject of


theological debate and discussion for centuries. Many theologians
and scholars have written about this topic, exploring its historical,
theological, and spiritual dimensions. Here are some key insights
from their works:

1. Historical Development: The idea of the Eucharist as presence has


evolved over time in Christian history. In the early church, there was a
diversity of views on the nature of the Eucharist, ranging from a
symbolic interpretation to a more mystical understanding. However,
by the Middle Ages, the doctrine of transubstantiation became widely
accepted in Western Christianity, while Eastern Christianity developed
its own theology of the Eucharist as a mystery of faith.

2. Theological Significance: The Eucharist as presence has profound


theological implications for Christian faith and practice. It affirms the
reality of Christ's incarnation and sacrifice, as well as his ongoing
presence in the world through his Spirit and his Church. It also
highlights the communal nature of Christian worship and fellowship,
as believers come together to share in Christ's body and blood.

3. Spiritual Experience: The Eucharist as presence is not only a


theological concept but also a spiritual experience for many
Christians. Through participation in the Eucharistic ritual, believers
encounter God's grace and receive spiritual nourishment for their
souls. The Eucharist is seen as a source of healing, forgiveness, and
transformation, as well as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to
come.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church: The official teaching of the


Catholic Church on the Eucharist can be found in paragraphs 1322-
1419 of the Catechism. It explains the doctrine of transubstantiation
and its theological significance for Catholic faith and practice.

2. On the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist by St. Basil the Great: This
ancient text from one of the early church fathers offers insights into
the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Eucharist as a mystery of
faith. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming the
bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

3. The Meaning of Communion by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: This modern


classic by a German theologian and martyr explores the spiritual
dimensions of the Eucharist as a sacrament of unity and love. It
reflects on how participation in the Eucharistic meal can transform
our relationships with God and one another.

As COMMUNION
The Holy Eucharist is a central sacrament in the Catholic Church, and
it is considered as the source and summit of the Christian life. The
Holy Eucharist is also known as Communion, which means "sharing in
common." This sacrament involves the consumption of bread and
wine, which are believed to be transformed into the body and blood
of Christ during Mass. In this literature review, we will explore the
history, theology, and significance of the Holy Eucharist as a
communion.

History of Holy Eucharist


The Holy Eucharist has its roots in the Last Supper, where Jesus
shared bread and wine with his disciples before his crucifixion.
According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus said to his disciples, "This is
my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke
22:19). He also said about the cup, "This cup that is poured out for
you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). The early
Christian Church continued to celebrate the Eucharist as a
commemoration of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Theology of Holy Eucharist


The Catholic Church teaches that during Mass, the bread and wine
used in the Eucharist become the body and blood of Christ through a
process called transubstantiation. This means that while the bread
and wine retain their physical appearance, their substance changes
into that of Christ's body and blood. The Eucharist is therefore not a
symbol but a real presence of Christ in the world.

Significance of Holy Eucharist


The Holy Eucharist is significant for several reasons. First, it is a
sacrament that unites Catholics with Christ and with each other. By
consuming the body and blood of Christ, Catholics become one with
him and with each other in a mystical way. Second, it is a memorial of
Christ's sacrifice on the cross. By participating in the Eucharist,
Catholics remember and participate in Christ's sacrifice, which is the
ultimate act of love. Finally, the Eucharist is a source of grace that
strengthens Catholics in their faith and helps them to live a Christian
life.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or URLs:


1. Catechism of the Catholic Church
- http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
2. The Holy Bible - https://www.biblegateway.com/
3. Vatican II Documents
- https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/
index.htm

AS ESSENCE
The Holy Eucharist is a central sacrament in the Catholic Church, also
known as the Blessed Sacrament or the Lord's Supper. It is considered
to be the true presence of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine.
The essence of the Holy Eucharist lies in its ability to unite believers
with Christ and with each other.

The concept of the Holy Eucharist dates back to the Last Supper,
where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and instructed
them to do the same in remembrance of him. The Catholic Church
believes that during Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into
the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. This
transformation is seen as a miraculous event that allows believers to
receive Christ into their hearts and souls.
The Holy Eucharist is also seen as a means of grace, providing
spiritual nourishment and strength to those who partake in it. It is
believed that through receiving the Eucharist, believers are united
with Christ and with each other in a profound way. This unity is seen
as an essential aspect of Christian life, emphasizing the importance of
community and fellowship.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Holy Eucharist also has a


rich history and symbolism within Catholicism. The use of bread and
wine represents Christ's sacrifice on the cross, while the act of sharing
communion emphasizes the importance of charity and love towards
others.

Overall, the Holy Eucharist is considered to be an essential aspect of


Catholic faith and practice. Its essence lies in its ability to unite
believers with Christ and with each other, providing spiritual
nourishment and strength for Christian life.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church


- http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
2. The Holy Bible - https://www.biblegateway.com/
3. Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas
- https://www.newadvent.org/summa/4001.htm

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