Veneration of the Eucharist | Father Uwe Michael Lang
Sep 27, 2023
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Fr. Uwe Michael Lang discusses the history and significance of veneration of the Eucharist, including its roots in early Christian worship, the importance of gestures of reverence, and the organic development of communion on the tongue. He also explores the practice of displaying the Eucharist in Renaissance churches and the profound relationship with God through Eucharistic adoration as exemplified by saints.
The historical development of veneration and reservation of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church was influenced by early Christian worship, teachings of the Church Fathers, biblical references, and popular practices.
The revival of Eucharistic adoration in recent times, promoted by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, emphasizes the personal encounter with Jesus and the need for solemnity, integration with celebration, and incorporating elements of adoration into the Mass.
Deep dives
Development of Eucharistic Veneration and Reservation
The speaker provides an overview of the historical development of veneration and reservation of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Early Christian worship and the teachings of the Church Fathers laid the foundation for a strong sense of adoration and reverence for Christ's presence in the Eucharist. Biblical references to prostration and kneeling in the presence of God influenced early Christian prayer gestures. The adoption of kneeling in prayer and worship during the Patristic period exemplifies the reverence and humility before God. The veneration of the Eucharist and the practice of reserving it for the sick and dying emerged during Christian antiquity, with various forms of reservation in churches. The development of the Feast of Corpus Christi in the Middle Ages further enhanced Eucharistic devotion and led to popular practices of procession, exposition, and adoration.
Eucharistic Adoration in the Medieval West
During the Latin Middle Ages, veneration of the Eucharist expanded beyond the liturgical celebration and included adoration of the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass. Two Eucharistic controversies in the late Carolingian period and the age of papal reform shaped Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and devotion regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The controversies, along with numerous reported Eucharistic miracles, emphasized the need for reverence and adoration of the consecrated species. The doctrine of transubstantiation, coined in the 12th century, clarified the effect of the Eucharistic consecration. Popular piety embraced the heightened sense of Christ's presence, resulting in increased kneeling during the Eucharistic prayer and the elevation of the consecrated host for adoration. The practice of reserving the Eucharist in a tabernacle for both protection and adoration also developed during this period.
Introduction of the Fixed Tabernacle and Eucharistic Devotion
The introduction of the fixed tabernacle on the high altar is often associated with the liturgical reforms after the Council of Trent, but it can be traced back to 15th-century Tuscany. The shift towards unified church interiors, influenced by ancient Christian basilicas, allowed for a clearer view of the main sanctuary and the reserved Eucharist. With the increased visibility of the Eucharistic rite, the importance of adoration and reverence also grew. However, criticism arose in the 20th century, questioning the balance between celebration and adoration. Some argued that a visual piety and a decline in communion frequency resulted from an excessive focus on Eucharistic adoration. Despite this criticism, recent Popes have emphasized the personal encounter and adoration of Christ in the Eucharist, with a renewal of Eucharistic adoration in the late 20th century.
Reviving Eucharistic Adoration in Contemporary Times
In recent times, there has been a revival of Eucharistic adoration, particularly promoted by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Eucharistic adoration is seen as a personal encounter with the living Lord Jesus, fostering strength and joy in the life of faith. Two important aspects for the contemporary revival of adoration are highlighted. First, the need for solemnity and ritual in the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition should be a solemn moment, marked by reverence and presence of worshippers. Second, the importance of integrating adoration and celebration of the Eucharist. Adoration is not opposed to the celebration but complements it, establishing an inner attitude of faith and adoration. Further, elements of adoration like silence, reverential postures, appropriate music, and less activism should be incorporated into the celebration. The witness of saints like St. Teresa of Kolkata and Blessed Carlo Acutis speaks to the transformative power of Eucharistic adoration in deepening personal relationships with Christ and inspiring acts of charity.
This lecture was given on September 18th, 2023, at the Thomistic Institute at the Dominican House of Studies.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events
Speaker Bio:
Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, a native of Nuremberg, Germany, is a priest of the Oratory of St Philip Neri in London. He holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Oxford, and teaches Church History at Mater Ecclesiae College, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and Allen Hall Seminary, London. He is an associate staff member at the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, and on the Visiting Faculty of the Liturgical Institute in Mundelein, IL. He is a Corresponding Member of the Neuer Schülerkreis Joseph Ratzinger / Papst Benedikt XVI, a Member of the Council of the Henry Bradshaw Society, a Board Member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy, and the Editor of Antiphon: A Journal for Liturgical Renewal.
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