Pius X Catechism – The Institution and Effects of the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Location: The Sacraments > The Blessed Eucharist > The Institution and Effects of the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Q1: When did Jesus Christ institute the sacrament of the Eucharist?

A1: Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist at the last supper, which He took with His disciples, the evening before His passion.

Q2: Why did Jesus Christ institute the Most Holy Eucharist?

A2: Jesus Christ instituted the Most Holy Eucharist for three principal reasons: (1) To be the Sacrifice of the New Law; (2) To be the food of our souls; (3) To be a perpetual memorial of His passion and death and a precious pledge both of His love for us and of eternal life.

Q3: Why did Jesus Christ institute this sacrament under the appearances of bread and wine?

A3: Jesus Christ instituted this sacrament under the appearances of bread and wine, because, the Eucharist being intended to be our spiritual nourishment, it was therefore fitting that it should be given to us under the form of food and drink.

Q4: What are the effects which the Most Holy Eucharist produces in us?

A4: The principal effects which the Most Holy Eucharist produces in those who worthily receive it are these: (1) It preserves and increases the life of the soul, which is grace, just as natural food sustains and increases the life of the body; (2) It remits venial sins and preserves us from mortal sin; (3) It produces spiritual consolation.

Q5: Does not the Most Holy Eucharist produce other effects in us?

A5: Yes; the Most Holy Eucharist produces three other effects in us: (1) It weakens our passions, and in particular it allays in us the fires of concupiscence; (2) It increases in us the fervour of charity towards God and our neighbour, and aids us to act in conformity with the will of Jesus Christ; (3) It gives us a pledge of future glory and of the resurrection of our body.