Sacraments
The Real Presence in the Eucharist
The Catholic Church teaches that at the consecration, bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, not merely symbols.
Catholic teaching
The Church teaches transubstantiation: the substance of bread and wine is changed into the substance of Christ's Body and Blood, while the appearances remain. This is the same sacrifice of Calvary made present, not a re-sacrifice.
Biblical foundation
Christ's words at the Last Supper are unequivocal, and John 6 records his refusal to soften language many found offensive. Paul warns of judgment for receiving the Body and Blood unworthily, implying real presence.
Scripture references
Historical evidence
Every early Christian witness who addresses the Eucharist affirms real presence, with no trace of a purely symbolic view before the medieval period. Ignatius of Antioch, writing around AD 107, explicitly condemns those who deny it.
The Church Fathers
“They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
“Not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but as Jesus Christ our Savior... the food which is blessed... is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.”