At the heart of the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest says and does what Christ said and did at the Last Supper. The power of Christ’s words and actions, and the power of the Holy Spirit, make present the sacrifice of the cross. The bread appears unchanged, but it is no longer bread; it is the body of Christ. The wine appears unchanged, but it is no longer wine; it is the blood of Christ.

The priest shows the consecrated bread or host to the faithful, and after that, he shows the chalice containing the blood of Christ. He then cries out: “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.” All respond with one of several possible acclamations to affirm the real presence of the Lord.

Adapted from Father Mark–Daniel Kirby, OCist, PhD. Copyright 2005, Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800.