Page:Completecatechis00deharich.djvu/277

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he the Sponsors of their children; and the Sponsor in Confirmation is to be different from the Sponsor in Baptism.

Application. Pray frequently and earnestly that the Gifts of the Holy Ghost may be strengthened in you. Perform without fear all the duties of a Catholic Christian. Should you have to suffer ignominy and persecution on account of your faith, consider it an honor, and rejoice in it after the example of the Apostles (Acts v. 41).

The Holy Eucharist.

§ 1. The Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

1. What is the Holy Eucharist?

It is the true Body and the true Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine for the nourishment of our souls.

It is called 'Eucharist' from the Greek word 'Eucliaristia,' which means 'Good Grace,' because it contains Christ our Lord, the true grace, and the source of all heavenly gifts; or 'Thanksgiving,' because, when we offer this most spotless Victim, we render to God a homage of infinite value, in return for all the benefits which we have received from His bounty, particularly for the inestimable treasure of grace bestowed on us in this Sacrament. It is also called the Blessed or Most Holy Sacrament, because it contains Jesus Christ Himself, the Author of all the Sacraments, and of all sanctity. The Sacrament of the Altar, because it is on the Altar it is offered and reserved. The Holy Host, because it contains Jesus Christ, the true Host or Victim, immolated for us. The Viaticum (i.e., Provision for a journey), as well because it is the spiritual food by which we are supported during our mortal pilgrimage, as also, because it prepares for us a passage to eternal happiness and everlasting glory (Catech. of the Counc. of Trent).

2. Is there in the Holy Eucharist all that is requisite for constituting a Sacrament?