A priest holds up a monstrance during a Corpus Christi procession at Dowd Chapel at Boys Town on June 11, 2023. BOB ERVIN | THE CATHOLIC VOICE
News
Encounter speaker: Jesus in Eucharist remedy to Church disunity, personal challenges
June 15, 2023
In his talks on the Eucharist across the U.S., Father Malachy Napier said he’s had a front-row seat to the glory of God. Conversions. Physical and spiritual healings. Even miracles.
He’s not surprised because Jesus’ presence is transformative even if that reality has been forgotten or taken for granted.
Father Malachy Napier, CFR COURTESY PHOTO
“No matter what the issue, the question, or situation that someone is dealing with in their life, Jesus is the answer,” Father Napier said in a recent interview with KVSS Radio’s Spirit Mornings. “And an encounter with his Real Presence in the Eucharist is the most direct, powerful place, tangible place where you can encounter this Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Father Napier, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, is the keynote speaker for the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Eucharistic Encounter at St. Wenceslaus in Omaha on June 22. His talk will proceed adoration
The event is the final of three encounters being held in Nebraska between June 20-22. As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, this archdiocesan event helps Catholics refocus, rediscover and celebrate the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist through adoration, Eucharistic piety, dynamic teaching, powerful sacred music, and exposure to local apostolates and ministries.
The U.S. bishops in 2021 announced the initiative – three years of prayer, pilgrimage and worship – that culminates in a special Eucharistic conference in Indianapolis July 17-21, 2024.
Father Napier, who was ordained in 2020, told KVSS – a cosponsor of the Eucharistic Encounter event – that he was in Nicaragua serving the friars’ mission there when he first heard of the need for speakers to join the revival effort.
His superior invited them to pray about the request, telling them these talks weren’t meant to be simply a program. He wanted speakers to light fires.
That intention stirred Father Napier, who returned to the States and has been speaking and teaching across the country on the power of the Eucharist.
Thirty percent of Catholics in a recent survey said they did not believe Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist, a core teaching of the church anchored in Jesus’ institution of the sacrament at The Last Supper.
Father Napier said the Holy Spirit is leading the revival and events like the June 22 encounter to offer a chance to come back to give thanks and praise to the Father.
The Eucharist is a remedy to what ails each of us and to the disunity and division in the church, and Father Napier hopes Catholics will renew their connection to Jesus in the Eucharist.
“When you meet Him, your life is transformed by that love that He is,” Napier said.
Encounter Schedule
Thursday, June 22, 2023
St. Wenceslaus Church | 15353 Pacific St, Omaha, NE
Event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Liturgical program starts at 6:45 and goes until 8:55 p.m.
Confessions will be available with multiple priests from 5-10 p.m.
EUCHARISTIC EVENTS | 5-10 p.m.
Private veneration of nine first-class relics (including Blessed Carlo Acutis – patron of the Eucharistic Encounter)
Vatican International Exhibition – Eucharistic Miracles of the World (created by Blessed Carlo Acutis)
Video about Blessed Carlo’s life
Representatives from local apostolates/ministries
LITURGICAL PROGRAM
In the Church
6:30 | Musical prelude
6:45 | Welcome by the Parish Priest
6:50 | Opening remarks by Jim Carroll, Spirit Catholic Radio Executive Director
6:55 | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament by Archbishop George Lucas
7:00 | Talk by the Archbishop Lucas
7:20 | Talk by Fr. Malachy Napier, CFR
8:15 | Eucharistic procession begins throughout the church
8:25 | Silent adoration and music
8:45 | Benediction and closing prayers by Archbishop Lucas
8:55 | Closing remarks after reposition