Preserve the Momentum of the Eucharistic Revival

From picture books to meditations for adults, Barb Szyszkiewicz reviews some newly published books focusing on the Eucharist.

Whether you attended the National Eucharistic Congress, watched the livestream, or have had your enthusiasm rekindled by hearing about it from others, it's important to keep up the momentum of devotion to the Eucharist as we return to the ordinary daily tasks of life. Two years ago, I took a look at some Must-Reads for the Eucharistic Revival; today, I have a new stack of resources to share with you.

Stories to enjoy together

Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers

by Heidi Hess Saxton
Published by Our Sunday Visitor

This book was written for families to enjoy together, but older children, teens, or adults can still benefit from reading it on their own. Heidi has collected the stories of 40 people and events that highlight the graces and miracles that have resulted from deep devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Parents with sensitive children will appreciate content warnings about martyrdom stories. Heidi combines masterful, compelling storytelling with historical information and food for family conversation and prayer in this lovely book designed to encourage Eucharistic devotion through the domestic church.

Salvation History Story Time: Move and Play with Scripture

by Katie Warner; illustrated by Amy Rodriguez
Published by OSV Kids

While this book is not specifically about the Eucharist, it does have a chapter ("Jesus, the Savior") that discusses the Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. This book helps families with young children come to understand salvation history together in a fun and interactive way. Embedded within the text you'll find prompts to involve children in making sound effects, repeating words or phrases, or acting out a bit of a scene. As each chapter begins, there is a note indicating what supplies might be needed (paper, a toy musical instrument, and a cape are some examples). The author sets parents up for success by emphasizing the dynamic nature of this book and inviting parents to bring laughter, smiles, and joy to Bible-reading time.

The Treasure of Saint Tarcisius, Hero of the Eucharist

by Caroline McDonald; illustrated by Gina Capaldi
Published by OSV Kids

We've heard a lot about Blessed Carlo Acutis and his connection to the Eucharist, but here's a little-known saint of the early Church who was willing to guard the Eucharist with his life. This picture book vividly depicts the difficulties of life as a Christian in ancient Rome. As a child, Tarcisius attended secret Masses in the Catacombs. He volunteered to bring the Eucharist to imprisoned Christians, telling the pope that his young age would be the perfect disguise. But other youths turned on him, eventually stoning him even as he refused to let go of the pyx holding the Blessed Sacrament.

While this is a picture book, the images are intense enough that parents may wish to save it until children are ready to receive their first holy Communion, or even a little older.

A journey through the Mass

Behold, Believe, Become: Meeting the Hidden Christ in Things We See, Say, and Do at Mass

by Timothy P. O'Malley
Published by Ave Maria Press

As it says on the top of the front cover of this book, this is "an unconventional look at Eucharistic worship." Timothy O'Malley walks the reader through certain elements of the Mass and the church building, explaining the significance of things as simple as the door of the church, the holy water font, the altar, and our various postures during Mass.

This would be an excellent book for families with older children to use together, as each brief chapter ends with some discussion questions that can be adapted to use with children or teens. You might also enjoy this book with a small faith-sharing or study group in your parish.

A pocket devotional

The Bread of Life: Renewing your devotion to the Sacrament of Mercy, the Holy Eucharist

Published by Marian Press

In honor of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception published this pocket-sized book that contains an overview of the Eucharistic Revival, the texts of two powerful homilies about the Eucharist, an episode from the life of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an affirmation of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and instructions on how to make a Holy Hour and pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. You'll also find a brief list of recommended resources at the end of the booklet.

This is a useful booklet that you can keep in your purse or in the car so it's available when you have a few moments for prayer or to take with you into the Adoration Chapel. 

Bring this book to the Adoration Chapel

Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book

Written and compiled by Sister Marie Paul Curley, FSP
Published by Pauline Books & Media

This book has earned a permanent spot in my Adoration tote bag alongside my journal and a New Testament with Psalms. This beautiful hardcover is lovely to hold in your hands during prayer. Inside, you’ll find not only guided holy hours but also prayers of all kinds, instruction about the Eucharist, and a selection of psalms and other biblical passages. I’ve bookmarked a few favorites (the book includes one ribbon bookmark, too), but there’s always something new to be found when I open this book. One section I’ve turned to again and again is “In Adoration with Mary,” possibly because I am reminded by the Marian art in our Adoration chapel. This would make a beautiful gift for any regular adorer, or a donation to your Adoration chapel library.

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News

For the Life of the World: Invited to Eucharistic Mission

by Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Tim Glemkowski
Published by Our Sunday Visitor

In this book, you'll find an invitation to become a Eucharistic missionary. This doesn't mean you'll have to leave your home and family behind and travel to foreign lands; instead, it's a call to be transformed by your encounter with the living Christ in the Eucharist and to live in communion with Christ, taking His love to everyone you encounter.

The authors begin with the premise that all Catholics share this call. The book describes the elements of our encounter with Jesus, the truth of our identity in Christ, how to live sacrificially and in communion with Christ, and the importance of making this mission our own. If you have older teens in high school or young adult children in college or just starting out on their own, this is an excellent book to share with them.

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Copyright 2024 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images: Canva

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