Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Cordileone: ‘Ten ingredients’ make for ‘recipe of Eucharistic revival’

By Gina Christian, OSV News

“Ten ingredients” make for a “recipe of Eucharistic revival,” including greater focus on preparing for and participating in Mass, as well as integrating prayer and evangelization into daily life, said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco.

The archbishop shared his thoughts in a homily at the July 18 celebration of a votive Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal (informally known as the “Traditional Latin Mass”), part of the scheduled liturgies for the second day of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.

The Mass, at which Archbishop Cordileone was the principal celebrant, took place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, which was founded in 1909 to serve the Italian immigrant community in Indianapolis. The church is one of two designated within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for the celebration of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form.

Although located just over a mile from most of the congress events, more than 1,000 pilgrims of all ages attended the liturgy — many arriving on foot, with half filling the church and the remainder seated in an overflow tent on parish grounds.

Archbishop Cordileone told those present that rather than reflecting on institutional and policy efforts to renew the church, he wanted to “talk about what each individual can do to bring about Eucharistic revival.”

The “10 ingredients” he listed began with “participating in the prayers (and) in the singing (at Mass), in whichever form or rite” of worship.

Also crucial to revival is “recovering the sense of silence,” said Archbishop Cordileone, admitting, “this is perhaps what disturbs me the most —the din in our churches before and after Mass.”

While there is “a place and a need” for fellowship prior to and following liturgies, “that place is outside of (the) church,” he said. “We know from the mystics that God speaks to us in silence.”

Appropriate attire for Mass, "an external that manifests an internal disposition," is important in preparing to participate in liturgy. He added that "the clothes speak about our regard for who we are present to."

He also stressed observance of the Eucharistic fast, which Pope Paul VI reduced from three hours to one hour prior to receiving Communion. That decrease was intended not to diminish fasting's importance but to encourage frequent reception since many Catholics avoided Communion due to previous fasting requirements' length.

Fasting generally along with penitential discipline—especially on Fridays throughout honoring Jesus’ death—cultivates greater spiritual growth and closeness with Christ.

Regular reception of reconciliation is essential for any Catholic pursuing holiness—to be properly disposed to receive Communion and have God’s grace assist them away from habits distancing their soul from Christ.

Daily frequent prayer is fundamental along with time away from digital distractions. "We should be still before Lord adoring Blessed Sacrament," emphasized Archbishop Cordileone highlighting rosary scriptural prayer; lectio divina ancient scripture-praying form; Ignatian meditation imaginative contemplation scripture.

“Putting this all into action” by serving Lord steps toward revival cited volunteering crisis pregnancy centers domestic violence homeless shelters active parish role bringing Gospel message work schools communities involved places lastly importantly live vocation faith way God calls live become person created be concluded archbishop