Topic: "The Eucharist as Keystone of the Legionary Scheme and Faithful Catholic Witness."
A significant number of Catholics — according to recent Pew Research Center surveys, almost two-thirds of self-identifying Catholics — do not believe in the Real Presence. They believe the Eucharist to be a symbol; that it represents the Body and Blood of Christ rather than truly and really being the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord.
Among the many reasons given for the loss of faith in the Eucharist and the Sacraments is the eroding and conscious killing of Eucharistic awe and reverence championed by priests and the faithful in the name of the wrong interpretation of the changes of "Vatican II." The faithful and those who visit our parishes must see that we believe in him who we are worshiping, and that our Masses, solemnly bespeak our entering into the heavenly liturgy itself (CCC 1136-39), as Christ’s self-sacrifice culminated in everlasting glory at his Ascension, and thus is always offered on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary!
Our retreat will focus on the leading role of legionaries and all faithful Catholics towards Eucharistic awe and reverence as a strategy towards the revival of Eucharistic faith.
Fr Gabriel T. Wankar, a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco CA, was born and raised in Africa. Ordained in 2004, Fr. Wankar is the Spiritual Director of the San Mateo County Comitium of the Legion of Mary in the Archdiocese. He holds a doctorate in Systematic Theology, and is completing another doctorate in Sustainable Development.