Throughout His ministry, Jesus welcomed the marginalized in society. Jesus is always waiting for an invitation to enter a relationship with us, no matter what our past nor present. Several of the marginalized groups within our faith communities today are Catholics who are separated or divorced, women and men who seek healing from participation in the abortion process, and those with same sex attraction (SSA).
Recently, while doing research for an article for the Heart of the Revival newsletter, I had the opportunity to interview two individuals in ministry to Catholics who are separated or divorced. Both arrived at a place of healing in their lives through frequent Eucharistic Adoration. From prayer and time spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament, they developed a Eucharistic-centered program aimed at bringing healing and joy into the lives of other Catholics who are separated or divorced.
Many faithful Catholics today are experiencing the pain of divorce. However, that does not necessarily mean that they are separated from Our Eucharistic Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that a Catholic who is divorced and not remarried, unless they have first obtained an annulment, may receive Communion just like any other member. Divorce is distressing, and Catholics experiencing divorce need the support of the Church.
When divorce is the only possible recourse, the Church supports those involved. It encourages those who have not remarried to remain close to the Lord through frequent reception of the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. Those who have remarried before obtaining an annulment may and should participate in the Eucharistic life of the Church through Eucharistic Adoration and Spiritual Communion. Although Spiritual Communion is not physically receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, it is a moment of grace in which an individual recognizes the need for Our Lord and to be nourished spiritually by His Eucharistic Presence.
On a recent episode of EWTN’s Women of Grace, Johnette Williams interviewed Kim Zember, a young woman who experienced SSA from an early age. After years of failed relationships and substance abuse, Kim turned her life around through attendance at Daily Mass and Adoration. Her account of leaving the LGBT lifestyle behind and experiencing the healing presence of Jesus is chronicled in her book Restless Heart: My Struggle with Love & Sexuality. At the recent SEEK23 conference, an annual event hosted by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), Kim explained the Church’s teaching on same sex attraction and how we can love and understand those experiencing SSA. You can hear her talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhn9ENpNO-U&t=2s
If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to the Heart of the Revival newsletter for weekly updates, testimonials and catechesis. This past month the National Eucharistic Revival launched a weekly podcast called The Pulse. These resources, in additional to many worship aids and information on the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, can accessed from the National Eucharistic Revival website: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/
Another exciting opportunity sponsored by the National Eucharistic Revival is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, scheduled for May 2024 to July 2024, and culminating in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. There are two ways to participate: join the Eucharistic Caravan or become a “Perpetual Pilgrim.” Those in the Caravan will join up with others on pilgrimage and walk any portion of the four routes, converging in Indianapolis. Perpetual Pilgrims will spiritually accompany and minister to those in the Eucharistic Caravan and possibly join up with the Carvan as it passes through their cities and neighborhoods. Please visit the National Eucharistic Revival website to learn more about the routes and start planning how you and your family will participate.
The Eucharistic Revival is for everyone because everyone is invited into relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. No one is excluded from this invitation. God bless you and your families as we strive to grow closer to our Eucharistic Lord during this Year of Parish Revival.
Sister M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
