Synod concerned that Catholics misunderstand real presence of Christ

Published: 2005-10-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A major concern of the October Synod of Bishops was that many Catholics do not seem to understand how Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. Yet after nearly three weeks of discussion, the bishops did not find an easy way to explain this fundamental concept of the faith. Instead, they spent considerable time debating the theological fine points of the church's teaching on the real presence of Christ. That led to discussions of such complex topics as transubstantiation versus transignification, or "sacramental presence" as distinct from other forms of Christ's presence in the world. Some participants, like German Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne, worried that the real presence is largely seen as symbolic. He cited the influence of a secular society that does not easily accept transcendent realities and said Catholics need to be taught that Christ is "truly, really and substantially contained in holy Communion." Several bishops wanted the synod to clarify the "moment of transubstantiation," in view of liturgical differences in Latin and Eastern Catholic church communities. Others said the church should clarify to the faithful that the consecration of the bread and wine in the Eucharist brings a change in substance, but not a change in physical matter. They called for a new way of teaching transubstantiation.

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