The Eucharist: Our Sanctification

by Raniero Cantalamessa, Frances Lonergan Villa (Translator)

The Eucharist should not be limited to the congregation that gathers to hear the word of God and proclaim its faith. It is, first of all, the active presence of the sacrifice of Christ, who gathers us together and lets us partake of his divine life through his body and blood in Communion. Christians are always hoping to find helpful ways to contemplate the eucharistic mystery in all its fullness, and this set of meditations by Father Raniero Cantalamessa - presented by him in the presence of Pope John Paul II - is written in a simple and warm style and nourished by Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers from both the East and the West. These meditations answer the needs of all who hope to experience the radiant and radiating Eucharist that shines into their hearts and into the life of the Church.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Catholic, Spirituality, Faith, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin Catholic Priest. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 22 July 1934, ordained priest in 1958. Divinity Doctor (Fribourg 1962) and Doctor in classical literature (Milan 1966). Former Ordinary Professor of History of Ancient Christianity and Director of the Department of Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan. Member of the International Theological Commission (1975-1981) and for 12 years member of the Catholic Delegation for the dialogue with the Pentecostal Churches.

In 1979 he resigned his teaching position to become a full time preacher of the Gospel. In 1980 he was appointed by Pope John Paul II Preacher to the Papal Household and confirmed in that position by pope Benedict XVI in 2005. In this capacity he preaches a weekly sermon in Advent and Lent in the presence of the Pope, the cardinals, bishops an prelates of the Roman Curia and the general superiors of religious orders. He is also frequently invited to speak in many countries around the world, both to Catholic and Protestant audiences.

He has received an Honorary degree in Laws from Notre Dame University (Indiana), in Sciences of communication from the University of Macerata (Italy) and in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio).
In addition to his early scholar books on patristic Christology, Easter in the Ancient Church and other topics he has published numerous books on spirituality fruit of his preaching to the papal Household, translated in more than twenty foreign languages.
For 14 years, from 1994 to 2010 he has run a weekly program on the first channel of the Italian state television (RAI) on the Gospel of the following Sunday.

From 2009, when he is not engaged in preaching, he lives in an hermitage, at Cittaducale (Rieti) ministering to a small community of cloistered nuns.
The 18 July 2013 he has been confirmed by pope Francis as Preacher to the Papal Household.

Reviews

[Ted Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little 101 page book was almost lyrical and, at the same time, incredibly deep and thought provoking. Cantalamasa has obviously spent his life thinking about, creating and defining these insights into the Eucharist. He quoted Chrysostom who responded to people who took the reception of Communion lightly by always using the adjective "terrible" when referring to it, "Terrible are the mysteries of the Church; terrible is the altar." "Without the special help of God's grace, no human soul could bear the fire of this sacrifice without completely being destroyed.' The same saint said that after communion a Christian is like a lion emitting flames from his mouth: the devil cannot bear his sight"
Cantalamasa is a bit less dramatic but his insights are sublime. He explains the truly intimate union man has with God and how the gifts of the Eucharist apply so specifically and lovingly to each soul's problems and gifts, such that, "because of the Eucharist there is no such thing as a "useless life" in the world. No one should say: "What use is my life? What am I doing in this world?" You are in the world for the most sublime of reasons, to be a living sacrifice, to be Eucharist with Jesus."
Isn't that enough to get most people reading?

[Matt Cavedon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher to the popes since 1980, Fr. Cantalamessa offers a robust examination of the Eucharist at a time (the early 1980s) when devotion was undergoing a renaissance. Fr. Cantalamessa considers scriptural, theological, ecclesiastical, and eschatological aspects of the Eucharist.

Most of my reviews try to get at some theory offered by the author; that would be inapt here. This is a theologically informed devotional book - smartly written, comprehensive, and steeped in citations. But it does not aim to be a development of doctrine so much as an exhortation to integrate the Eucharist and its sacrificial, generous modes of being into the whole life of believer and Church. The Eucharist, Fr. Cantalamessa successfully argues (with extensive references to Christian Fathers and appropriate nods to non-Catholic Christian sources), is the apex and source of the Christian life. It is Jesus Christ, true Blood (a point Fr. Cantalamessa stresses) and true Body, gathering and transforming his people and his world.

Fr. Cantalamessa is an effective prophet of the Real Presence and a faithful critic of the Church when it fails to live concorditantly with that truth or witness to it with real authority. A good read for a Catholic looking to kindle sacramental fire.

[Francesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vote: 4,25
Class: P-A1 (FP)

Da anni sento parlare di Raniero Cantalamessa me è solo ascoltando una sua omelia recente e poi su consiglio di un amico che ho deciso di cominciare a leggere qualcuna delle sue opere.
Assolutamente fantastica!
Riesce a unire contenuti profondi e un linguaggio semplice e che parla al cuore, aiutando a rinnovare il proprio rapporto con Cristo Sacramentato e facendo sì che possa entrare nella nostra vita (o la nostra vita possa entrare in Lui!).
Consiglio di cuore e mi propongo di leggere presto altri suoi scritti.

[Ana StPaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A source of joyous inspiration and helpful theology and history.

[Fides · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a bit dated (clear vessels for the Precious Blood?!?!), but overall, still a wonderful resource for Cantalamessa fans.

[Pablo Galiana]

Este libro, estructurado en 8 breves capítulos, recoge algunas meditaciones sobre la Eucaristía que el autor predicó ante el Santo Padre (entonces Juan Pablo II) y la Capilla Pontificia. La primera edición es de febrero de 1983. En el texto se considera de modo especial las relaciones entre la Eucaristía y la Iglesia, y se muestra cómo la celebración eucarística edifica la Iglesia a través de la “consagración”, de la “comunión”, de la “contemplación” y de la “imitación”. El libro puede ayudar a aquellas personas que deseen comprender mejor lo que implica participar en la celebración de la Santa Misa.

[Anthony Rewak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diamond has been located - a book to steepen your faith in the true richness of Roman Catholicism, & the beauty and splendour of Christ’s sacraments, specifically that of Holy Communion, from whence the Eucharist is experienced as our sanctification - especially useful is a section that explores the origin (etymologically) of Parish, parishioner, and parochial!

[Betsy Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book about the Eucharist.

[Claudio Laferla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 'must read'. Cantalamessa is a profound master. He is also one of my favourites.

[Lisa]

I've had this edition for years, but haven't got round to reading it yet.