WHAT IS THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER?

Eucaristia

The Eucharistic prayer is that long prayer that the Priest says during Mass, after presenting the offerings on the altar. This prayer recalls and actualizes what happened at Jesus’ Last Supper, transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.

The Eucharistic prayer is divided into several parts: the first is the preface, which introduces and prepares the consecration, then there is the acclamation of the Holy, Holy...Lord… It continues with the Epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit) in which the priest lays his hands on the offerings, while proclaiming the account of the Last Supper, the words of Jesus.

He then recalls and makes present the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, as a sacrifice offered for the salvation of all. We also pray for the pope, the bishops, all Christians, to remain in unity. And it concludes with the glorification of the Holy Trinity. To which the whole assembly responds with the word: “Amen”. “So be it.”

So, it is very important not to be distracted while the priest proclaims this prayer on behalf of all the people. Let us follow and accompany each part, uniting our petitions to God, with the petitions of the Eucharistic prayer.

Fr. Tarcisio