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The 7 Secrets of the Eucharist
Pope John Paul II referred to the Holy Eucharist as "the greatest treasure of the Church," and yet even many devoted Catholics have a very limited understanding of this powerful sacrament. This book will change all that. The reader will come away with a completely new awareness that the Eucharist is not just about receiving Communion; it's about transforming your daily life. Deeply based on the Scriptures, the writings of the Saints, and the teachings of our two most recent Popes, this profound and remarkably readable book will introduce you to some of the "hidden" truths of the Eucharist — truths that have always been embraced by theologians, saints, and mystics, but have rarely been passed on to the average person in a meaningful way. In 7 Secrets of the Eucharist , these truths are finally made accessible to all, as author Vinny Flynn shows how each reception of Holy Communion can be a life-changing experience. No matter how much or how little you already know about the Eucharist, the "secrets" revealed here will bring you to a new, personal "Emmaus" experience, again and again. Perfect for personal devotion, catechesis, study groups, book clubs, and theological studies, 7 Secrets of the Eucharist will rekindle the "Eucharistic amazement" called for by Pope John Paul II.
131 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
126 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
Vinny Flynn
20 books42 followersVinny Flynn is Executive Director of MercySong Ministries of Healing, and best-selling author of 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, 7 Secrets of Confession, 21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration, and Mercy's Gaze. He is also a gifted musician and popular speaker for parish programs, conferences, and retreats.
Known to many as “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN,” this father of seven has been involved in a ministry of mercy for over forty years, using his gifts to help people understand the teachings of the Church and open their hearts to the healing and transforming touch of God’s love.
To read Vinny's full bio, click here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 31, 2020
Vinny Flynn is the man who is defined by 7. Three 7 Secrets Books and 21 Ways to Worship, which is a multiple of 7!! According to his bio, he even has 7 children.
I had read 7 Secrets of Confession in 2014 with a group from church. The Eucharist means much to me spiritually. I had to read that too.
The most influential secret to me was #7.
"Yes, there is a limit to the number of times you and I can receive the Eucharist sacramentally, but there is no limit to the number of times we can receive spiritually."
Some saints have recorded that they stop every 15 minutes to receive the Eucharist spiritually.
I will try to emulate this model but on a smaller scale.
Recommend to all Catholics who would like a deeper meaning of the Eucharist.
4 stars
I had read 7 Secrets of Confession in 2014 with a group from church. The Eucharist means much to me spiritually. I had to read that too.
The most influential secret to me was #7.
"Yes, there is a limit to the number of times you and I can receive the Eucharist sacramentally, but there is no limit to the number of times we can receive spiritually."
Some saints have recorded that they stop every 15 minutes to receive the Eucharist spiritually.
I will try to emulate this model but on a smaller scale.
Recommend to all Catholics who would like a deeper meaning of the Eucharist.
4 stars
April 19, 2015
April 15, 2015: Reread this for the class I'll be presenting next week. Enjoyed it very much again this time! Mr. Flynn imparts his love of the LORD to his readers.
April 1-May 3, 2010: I began this on Holy Thursday night in Adoration and finished it the day after my class made their First Holy Communion.
It's been a wonderful contemplation of the great mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Had I been its author, I might have entitled the book, “The Seven Mysteries of the Eucharist” because rather than secrets, each chapter idea presented by the author takes you deeper into the truths about our sacred Communion with God in the Holy Sacrament which only reveal vast unexplored oceans opening up of greater mystery and wonder.
Of all the chapters, my favorite was the last, although that might change on subsequent readings. The seventh secret, ‘there's no limit to the number of times we can receive’, refers to the time-honored, but sadly neglected tradition of spiritual communion. As a little girl I was taught that when we are unable to receive the actual Body and Blood of Our Lord in Holy Communion—for whatever reason—we may ask Jesus to come to us in an act of ‘spiritual come-union’ which, while not a replacement for the physical reception of the Blessed Sacrament, is true longing for union with Christ and through this genuine desire from our heart to His, brings Him to us and is unlimited.
Spiritual communion is explained beautifully and simply in this chapter, as are the other wonders of the Eucharist throughout this book. An excellent read for any time but especially during Adoration.
April 1-May 3, 2010: I began this on Holy Thursday night in Adoration and finished it the day after my class made their First Holy Communion.
It's been a wonderful contemplation of the great mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Had I been its author, I might have entitled the book, “The Seven Mysteries of the Eucharist” because rather than secrets, each chapter idea presented by the author takes you deeper into the truths about our sacred Communion with God in the Holy Sacrament which only reveal vast unexplored oceans opening up of greater mystery and wonder.
Of all the chapters, my favorite was the last, although that might change on subsequent readings. The seventh secret, ‘there's no limit to the number of times we can receive’, refers to the time-honored, but sadly neglected tradition of spiritual communion. As a little girl I was taught that when we are unable to receive the actual Body and Blood of Our Lord in Holy Communion—for whatever reason—we may ask Jesus to come to us in an act of ‘spiritual come-union’ which, while not a replacement for the physical reception of the Blessed Sacrament, is true longing for union with Christ and through this genuine desire from our heart to His, brings Him to us and is unlimited.
Spiritual communion is explained beautifully and simply in this chapter, as are the other wonders of the Eucharist throughout this book. An excellent read for any time but especially during Adoration.
February 13, 2017
I found this book to be very informative and inspirational. Again, with some recent books I've read I found the timing of this read t be very beneficial and fulfilling to me
The author discusses the 7 "secrets" of the Eucharist. He referred to them as secrets, not because these things are unknown, but rather the average lay person has not grasped these truths about one of the greatest gifts God has given us.
So often we Catholics take our faith and the many treasures the church offers for granted. How often we casually process up to he alter to receive our Lord not fully grasping what is being offered and what we are taking into our bodies and souls. We fail to realize we are coming into union withJesus, who is in full union with God and the Holy Spirit. We enter into heaven when we are at Mass and receiving His body and blood. May I never again fail to realize the efficacy of this precious gift nor be ungrateful to God for giving it to me.
The 7 secrets:
1. The Eucharist is Alive - during one of the apparitions of Mary to the children of Fatima an Angel of Peace appeared to the children with the Eucharist. Suspending the Host and chalice in the air the angels throws himself prostrate on the ground. How do we/I stand in line waiting to receive Communion, when an angel prostrates himself on the ground? Jesus told St. Faustina "oh, how painful it is to me that souls so seldom unite themselves to me in Holy Communion. I wait for souls and they are indifferent to me." We can be such fools!
2. Christ is not alone - Christ is never alone. When we receive him he is also present in heaven so heaven is also present to us. Because Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity we enter into communion with the Holy Trinity when we receive him
3. There is only one Mass - with God there is no time. The Mass is not an isolated event. Each time a Mass is offered it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ. We truly go to heaven when we attend Mass.
4. The Eucharist is not just one miracle -
At the words of a man (priest), the bread and wine cease to exist though all their physical properties remain
Even the tiniest particles of what our senses perceive as bread and wine is now Christ
His presence is not symbolic but real, body, blood, soul and divinity
He is present just like he is in heaven, alive and glorious
He does leave heaven nor multiply but is physically present all around the world wherever Mass is celebrated
The Father and the Holy Spirit along with all of heaven are present with him
5. We don't just receive - He is calling us not only to receive Communion, but to enter into communion with Him. His plan is not merely to live in us but enabling us to live in Him
6. Every reception is different - I found this to be an "aha" moment. "The more resemblance there is between the person who goes to Communion and Jesus, so much the better will the fruits of Holy Communion be." St. Thomas said that when a false person receives Communion the sacrament does not produce any affect. A false person's inmost self does not correspond to what is expressed exteriorly. Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Cor 11:27. My spiritual disposition before, during and after receiving Communion will determine its efficacy.
7. There's no limit to the number of times we can receive - Although we can generally only sacramentally receive twice in a day, it is unlimited the times we can spiritually receive Him. We receive Him spiritually when we have a focused reverence and awe, are grateful for his gift and long to unite ourselves with him.
UNLESS YOU EAT THE FLESH OF THE SON OF MAN AND DRINK HIS BLOOD, YOU WILL NOT HAVE LIFE WITHIN YOU. Jn 6:53
Great book!
The author discusses the 7 "secrets" of the Eucharist. He referred to them as secrets, not because these things are unknown, but rather the average lay person has not grasped these truths about one of the greatest gifts God has given us.
So often we Catholics take our faith and the many treasures the church offers for granted. How often we casually process up to he alter to receive our Lord not fully grasping what is being offered and what we are taking into our bodies and souls. We fail to realize we are coming into union withJesus, who is in full union with God and the Holy Spirit. We enter into heaven when we are at Mass and receiving His body and blood. May I never again fail to realize the efficacy of this precious gift nor be ungrateful to God for giving it to me.
The 7 secrets:
1. The Eucharist is Alive - during one of the apparitions of Mary to the children of Fatima an Angel of Peace appeared to the children with the Eucharist. Suspending the Host and chalice in the air the angels throws himself prostrate on the ground. How do we/I stand in line waiting to receive Communion, when an angel prostrates himself on the ground? Jesus told St. Faustina "oh, how painful it is to me that souls so seldom unite themselves to me in Holy Communion. I wait for souls and they are indifferent to me." We can be such fools!
2. Christ is not alone - Christ is never alone. When we receive him he is also present in heaven so heaven is also present to us. Because Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity we enter into communion with the Holy Trinity when we receive him
3. There is only one Mass - with God there is no time. The Mass is not an isolated event. Each time a Mass is offered it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ. We truly go to heaven when we attend Mass.
4. The Eucharist is not just one miracle -
At the words of a man (priest), the bread and wine cease to exist though all their physical properties remain
Even the tiniest particles of what our senses perceive as bread and wine is now Christ
His presence is not symbolic but real, body, blood, soul and divinity
He is present just like he is in heaven, alive and glorious
He does leave heaven nor multiply but is physically present all around the world wherever Mass is celebrated
The Father and the Holy Spirit along with all of heaven are present with him
5. We don't just receive - He is calling us not only to receive Communion, but to enter into communion with Him. His plan is not merely to live in us but enabling us to live in Him
6. Every reception is different - I found this to be an "aha" moment. "The more resemblance there is between the person who goes to Communion and Jesus, so much the better will the fruits of Holy Communion be." St. Thomas said that when a false person receives Communion the sacrament does not produce any affect. A false person's inmost self does not correspond to what is expressed exteriorly. Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Cor 11:27. My spiritual disposition before, during and after receiving Communion will determine its efficacy.
7. There's no limit to the number of times we can receive - Although we can generally only sacramentally receive twice in a day, it is unlimited the times we can spiritually receive Him. We receive Him spiritually when we have a focused reverence and awe, are grateful for his gift and long to unite ourselves with him.
UNLESS YOU EAT THE FLESH OF THE SON OF MAN AND DRINK HIS BLOOD, YOU WILL NOT HAVE LIFE WITHIN YOU. Jn 6:53
Great book!
January 14, 2025
Such a little gem about the Eucharist. Sweet and simple. I must admit that the Eucharist has been a bit difficult for me to understand. This book gives me a simple way in which I can see Jesus in the Eucharist. I particularly liked the 7th secret which is that even though we might not always be able to sacramentally receive Jesus, we can always ask him to be with us spiritually with the intention of receiving him. It reminds me weirdly of washing my hand at work. Because I work in the food industry I am supposed to wash my hands and sanitize my hands after I’m done. Sanitizing the hands is complimentary to hand washing but perseveres the cleanliness. I find that by visiting Him in Adoration, Confession, spiritual Communion, and by staying free from sin, and preparing ourselves to receive Him, we can more deeply understand the Eucharist and the love that He has for us and helps us to sustain the presence of Christ in us. By reading about the Eucharist it reminds me of The Lord’s yearning for us. I also really liked how we need to reflect on our intentions and our attitude towards receiving and recognizing that we are receiving the Holy of Holies. I also found the secret about how Christ does not come alone to be particularly fascinating. While we do not receive the Holy Spirit and the Father sacramentally they are united to Christ and because of that we are in some great mystery united to them. And for every Mass, Heaven and Earth kiss. Earth finds her Heaven and God and she rejoices. And so do we, as in each Mass with the Angels and Saints, and especially the Mother of God, we have the privilege of contemplating the sacrifice of Jesus, who in a plan of sheer goodness redeems us all.
September 21, 2022
Wow!!! What a great little book- i learned so much and the importance of the Eucharist spiritually and sacramentally- such a God moment that my grandma gave me this book when I was back in Indy - something I struggle with is the Eucharist - sort and sweet and worth the read!
March 27, 2025
Beautiful in its simplicity. Everyone needs these reminders!
June 16, 2018
Eucaristía, misterio de amor y manantial de innumerables gracias para nosotros. Si quieres empezar a ver más allá del velo de este ministerio te recomiendo este libro.
January 1, 2013
This is the best reference for the Catholic views of the Eucharist. I am not a Catholic, but do study Religions of the World. It is recommended for all Catholics. I also recommend this to Christians that have Communion Services. This book gave me much to think about how individuals should view this ceremony and participate in same. It is a very short and worth-while read.
July 22, 2013
Another awesome religious book! I've read through it once, so I guess I can add it to my read list, but although it's short, it's one of those books I'm going to have to read at least three times to derive all of the meaning out of it. Vinny Flynn writes in a really easy style so complex theological concepts are accessible and relatable. Another Catholic must-read!
May 3, 2023
Truly a phenomenal book. I cannot even begin to put into words how powerful and beautiful this book on the Eucharist was. Highly recommend to any Catholic looking to grow in love with the Lord.
March 13, 2009
I think every Catholic should read this book. Bar none. It explains many of the most beautiful mysteries of the Eucharist in relatively simple language. It will enhance your mass experience. I'm thinking of giving it to the girl I'm sponsoring for RCIA.
May 6, 2016
Simple, but I learned some things I didn't know and was a good review of the things that I did know.
Second reading in 2016. There are some beautiful meditative prayers at the end that I will use.
Packs a powerful punch of beauty.
Second reading in 2016. There are some beautiful meditative prayers at the end that I will use.
Packs a powerful punch of beauty.
August 14, 2010
I picked out this book in the Adoration Chapel today... check that... God picked out this book for me. I devoured the whole thing (only 107 pages). My life will never be the same. I will never see the holy sacrifice of the Mass the same way again. Read. This. Book. I dare you.
February 15, 2008
My sister in law lent me this book and I feel I must read it. Let you know how it goes. I am very glad I read this book. It provided me so much insight into the true meaning of the Eucharist.
February 23, 2008
Okay so I'm biased but this really is a must read for all Catholics, our faith is so much deeper and unshakeable that we realize, we are so blessed but we're often missing so much.
February 22, 2009
Excellent book. Many excellent quotations, especially from St. Faustina. I really like Flynn's CD of the book, available from www.catholicity.com for $1.
August 30, 2009
thought this packed a lot into a short book. really love the last chapter on spiritual/sacramental communion. really brought it alive to me!
April 2, 2010
Had quite an impact on me and brought greater meaning to me about the Eucharist.
May 2, 2011
One of the best books I have ever read!
September 29, 2011
Short, well-written, and to the point. I read this shortly before coming into the Catholic Church in 2010. It confirmed my decision.
May 5, 2012
This book excited me even more to go to mass and receive our Lord. It reignited my fire. A must read.
December 30, 2012
Wonderful! Being united to Jesus at all times through the precious gift of the Eucharist is the catalyst for every action, thought, prayer, and hope. Flynn's book is a must-read.
August 11, 2012
An eye opening read about the most beautiful sacrament that many of us take for granted.
April 15, 2013
This book is beautiful and inspiring. Every Catholic should read it for a better understanding of the Holy Eucharist.
October 21, 2012
Short book but good. I liked the last chapter the best
November 10, 2012
This is a wonderful book and it is short and quick to read. Its great for reading while in Adoration and gives you some thoughts to focus on.
January 14, 2013
...small but mighty...
December 9, 2013
These are not secret and there are more than 7,; however Flynn does a grand job of making these 7 aspects swell with meaning. I enjoy mercy song music and highly recommend the group
October 3, 2021
Excellent book. It answers so many questions and some I would never think to ask. Very eye opening for me as a Catholic. This will definitely stay in my go to books when I need it!
July 21, 2024
I love the Eucharist. I love learning about Him.
I love that this book has great references too. I definitely learned a few new things. This book is so rich with great things.
I love that this book has great references too. I definitely learned a few new things. This book is so rich with great things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews