Bishop says Eucharist should be emphasized in catechesis

Sebastian Gonzalez
Staff Writer

There is a need for catechesis to focus on the Eucharist, said a bishop at a talk on eucharistic revival for theology and catechetics majors Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Gentile Gallery.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston spoke on the importance of the Eucharist in evangelization, connecting it with catechesis.

“The Eucharist is the summit of my life,” said Cozzens.

Cozzens said catechesis should focus on the Eucharist because “it cost (Jesus) everything to give the Eucharist.”

Cozzens shared a story about the last days of St. John Paul II. When he was at a Mass in Rome, the former pope could hardly stand in his old age, but he did his best to try to kneel to the Eucharist.

John Paul II cried out, “Help me kneel,” to those with him at the Mass.

Cozzen quoted John Paul II again and said, “Man who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself cannot fully find himself except through an image.”

Following the talk, food, including pizza and s’mores, were provided for students and staff outside the J.C. Williams Center.

Students played a game of Kahoot, themed around the catechetics major, and made s’mores at a bonfire.

Sophomore Olivia Russell said, “It was an unexpected topic, but as I was listening, I felt as though this is exactly what I needed to hear now.”

Sophomore Christian Sponsel said, “I really enjoyed the talk; it was beautiful to hear a bishop talk about the Eucharist in such a beautiful personal and experience way.”