By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Are we Catholics really engaged and open to the holy sacrifice of the Mass offered to us and for us Sunday after Sunday? Are we aware of the love and desire Jesus has for us to be in union with him? Do we no longer recognize the true presence of the Lord in the Eucharist?
Re-igniting that flame of faith is what the U.S. Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival movement is all about.
“It’s aimed at renewing our understanding and devotion to the Eucharist — the source and summit of our faith,” said Father Ese’ese “Ace” Tui, parochial vicar at St. Anthony Church in Wailuku, Maui.
“The National Eucharistic Revival seeks to restore and deepen our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” said Father Tui. “It invites Catholics to encounter Jesus anew through this great mystery.”
The revival is a three-year program that started in June of 2022.
According to the Eucharistic Revival website, the timespan is appropriate because “It takes time to kindle a living, loving relationship — and a relationship with Jesus Christ is no exception.”
The first year focused on dioceses spreading the word of the revival. In the second year, the mission was given to parishes.
In the Diocese of Honolulu some parishes are working hand-in-hand to spread the good news of the Eucharist.
“Parishes are encouraged to provide workshops on the Eucharist, teaching and devotions,” said Father Tui.
Last year, he said, parishes offered “teaching Masses” where the priest-presider explained the parts of the Mass as it was celebrated, “reminding people why they do what they do.”
Some Vicariates joined efforts to bring in popular national guest speakers and musicians like Chris Stefanick and Jesse Manibusan, to revitalize awareness of the Blessed Sacrament.
Father Tui, who is spearheading the diocesan Eucharistic Revival taskforce, said that priests and deacons are also encouraged to preach about the Eucharist.
Now, midway through the movement, more events are in the works.
On June 2, the Maui and Lanai vicariate will take the lead with a eucharistic procession starting from St. Anthony Church in Wailuku and ending at Christ the King in Kahului.
On June 8, St. Anthony Church will host a Eucharist Revival Congress with a special guest speaker Father Rafael Capo, the bodybuilding and fitness priest from the Archdiocese of Miami.
On July 11, St. Theresa Church in Kihei will initiate 40 hours of adoration.
Father Tui encourages people to look to their own parishes to see what activities they are offering.
“The Eucharist is central to Christian worship, providing spiritual sustenance, unity, forgiveness, and a profound encounter with Jesus himself,” he said. “It is a sacred mystery that invites believers to participate in the divine life.”
The Diocese of Honolulu has adapted the National Eucharistic Revival logo of a chalice and host for one that fits the essence of Hawaii with a background of green kalo leaves.
Incorporated in the design are the Hawaiian words “Ho‘eu‘eu Eukalikia,” which means “to rouse …” or “to stir up the Eucharist.”
“This phrase serves as a powerful reminder to reawaken our appreciation, understanding, and active participation in the Eucharist,” said Greg Archer, Maui revival liaison, explaining the logo, which was created by Siena Bulagay, Dann Ebina and Deacon Keith Cabiles. “It calls on us to deepen our connection with this sacred sacrament and to share its significance.”
“We want to take this time to educate and evangelize our people on the importance of the Holy Eucharist,” said Father Tui.
The National Eucharistic Revival website is filled with resources to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.
There is also an opportunity this summer to join thousands of other Catholics at the first Eucharistic Revival Congress in 10 years, July 17-21, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information visit: eucharisticrevival.org.
