The Pew Center is a think tank based in Washington, D.C., that reports various public opinions and social trends. 

 

In 2019, the Pew Center stirred up a little Catholic controversy by reporting that 37 percent of church-going Catholics do not believe in an absolute core Catholic belief — namely, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The belief is that the bread ceases to be bread, the wine ceases to be wine, and they become a new reality, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus — truly and really. 

 

Now, we need to be clear about something here. Lots of folks read the study as reporting that 37 percent of people who call themselves Catholic, but maybe don’t attend Mass or practice their Catholic faith very frequently, don’t believe in the Real Presence. 

 

No. No. It’s much worse than that. Thirty-seven percent of the folks regularly coming to Mass, sitting in the pews, and participating in parish life don’t believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. 

 

This causes consternation with bishops, priests, deacons, and dedicated lay faithful around the country. It even led Bishop Robert Barron to discuss his “anger” at this harsh reality. He said he blamed himself and all those responsible for transmitting the faith. It also led the bishops of this country to unite and discuss a need. A need for what? For something. 

 

The upcoming multi-phase Eucharistic revival is the result of the bishops’ prayer and dialogue. The revival is not intended to be a program or a process. There won’t be a certificate of completion that you’ll receive in 2025. Rather, the revival is a movement. A deep, interior movement of the Spirit to renew and revive in His Church a love, a devotion for her greatest treasure — the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

 

In the Diocese of Rockford there will be processions and prayers, speakers and preachers, increased adoration times, and catechetical instruction. 

 

Might I suggest the Eucharistic Revival begins with each one of us. May we renew our devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist daily, adore Him more devoutly, worship Him more frequently and in this way, begin the revival in our hearts. There will be much more information to come. Stay tuned! Adoro te devote!