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Book Review: “Stories of the Blessed Sacrament”
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October 8, 2020“Stories of the Blessed Sacrament,” written by Francine Bay and Hengjing Zang, is an easy-to-read book designed to “help the reader enter more deeply into the mystery of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” The book seems to be primarily targeted at children, but from my personal experience in reading through the brief 95 pages, I enthusiastically recommend it to all Catholics.
The authors have provided 12 fascinating stories that seem to enrich understanding for the personal significance one can enjoy from the beautiful Sacrament of the Eucharist. There is much to be gained from reading this book, whether the reader is a young child or an adult, whether one is inexperienced with the sacrament or well-experienced having participated in the Eucharist many times for many years. While we as Catholics have ample opportunity to learn about the Eucharist through scripture and by participating in religious education, these short, true stories help deepen our awareness for the true presence of Jesus.
From Ch. 1, “The Bread in the Desert,” to the final chapter, “The Secret Ordination at Dachau,” the story content and the accompanying, bright illustrations seemed to easily hold my full attention and provide easy personal connection. While I was familiar with some of the stories, there were new ones for me to enjoy (Saint Anthony’s Mule for example).
The Second Vatican Council tells us that “the Eucharist is the source and summit of all that we believe (Vatican II, Lumen gentium, No. 11). Our entire faith is based around this small, seemingly insignificant piece of bread, because we truly believe that this piece of bread is Jesus Christ. It does not merely symbolize, represent or contain the essence of Christ, but rather, it truly IS CHRIST, who becomes present during the Transfiguration so that we may have the opportunity to meet him and enter into communion with him.”
The authors have provided us a real gift for strengthening our faith and deepening our appreciation for the mystery of this Blessed Sacrament and I highly recommend this book.
John Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
