Among the many treasures of our Catholic faith, the Holy Eucharist stands as the very heart and summit of Christian life. It is not merely a ritual, nor is it a symbolic reminder of what Christ did for us over two thousand years ago. The Eucharist is a living reality—Jesus Christ Himself, truly present under the form of bread and wine. To understand the power of the Eucharist is to grasp the profound mystery of God’s love made manifest and continually offered to us.
The Eucharist as the Source and Summit of Our Faith
The Second Vatican Council calls the Eucharist “the source and summit of the Christian life.” This means that everything we do as believers flows from the Eucharist and ultimately returns to it. In the Eucharist, we encounter Christ in the most intimate way possible. He feeds us with His very Body and Blood, strengthening us for the journey of life and uniting us more closely with Himself.
For us as alumni of CCRN OAU, who once gathered at the altar during our student days, this truth resonates deeply. Many of us can recall moments when the celebration of Holy Mass carried us through difficult academic, personal, and spiritual challenges. The Eucharist was not simply an obligation but a fountain of grace that renewed our zeal for God.
The Power of Real Presence
At the heart of the Eucharist lies the mystery of the Real Presence. When the priest pronounces the words of consecration, the bread and wine are transformed—by the power of the Holy Spirit—into the true Body and Blood of Christ. This is not a symbolic change, but a real and substantial one.
Here lies its power: in receiving Holy Communion, we do not merely partake in a sacred meal; we encounter the living Christ. He dwells in us, nourishes us, and conforms us more closely to Himself. St. Augustine beautifully puts it this way: “Behold what you are; become what you receive.” In the Eucharist, Christ enters into us so that our lives may mirror His life of love, humility, and sacrifice.
Healing, Strength, and Transformation
The Eucharist carries within it a grace that heals, strengthens, and transforms. Spiritually, it forgives venial sins and strengthens us against temptation. Emotionally, it grants us peace and consolation in times of distress. Physically, countless testimonies through the centuries bear witness to the healing power received through faithful devotion to the Eucharist.
As a community of faith, when we gather around the altar, we are also united not just with Christ but with one another. The Eucharist breaks down barriers of division, heals wounds of disunity, and builds up the body of Christ—the Church. This communal power is something we as alumni should cherish and continue to live out in our families, workplaces, and society.
Living the Eucharist Beyond the Mass
The power of the Eucharist does not end when the Mass concludes. Every time we say “Amen” before receiving the Body of Christ, we commit ourselves to living out what we have received. We are sent forth to be Christ’s witnesses in the world, to love as He loves, to forgive as He forgives, and to serve as He serves.
As alumni of CCRN OAU, our memories of Eucharistic celebrations on campus should inspire us to remain faithful to this calling. Whether in our professions, families, or parishes, we are invited to be Eucharistic people—those whose lives radiate the presence of Christ.
A Call to Renewed Devotion
The Eucharist is a gift beyond measure, but like every gift, it requires a response. We are invited to approach the altar with reverence, devotion, and a heart prepared to receive the Lord. Regular participation in the Mass, frequent reception of Holy Communion, and quiet moments of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament can deepen our relationship with Christ and renew our spiritual lives.
For our alumni community, the Holy Eucharist remains a bond that unites us, no matter where life has taken us after our years at Obafemi Awolowo University. It is a reminder that Christ is always present, always available, and always desiring to nourish us with His very self.
Conclusion
The power of the Holy Eucharist lies in its ability to draw us into the mystery of God’s love, to transform us from within, and to unite us as one body in Christ. It is a power that transcends time, place, and circumstance—a gift that accompanied us during our student days and continues to sustain us as alumni.
