The Healing Journey

April 2, 2026

On Holy Thursday, we commemorate the Last Supper, when Jesus gave us the greatest gift he could — his Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. We read this account in Matthew 26:26-28: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat. This is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.’”

The following personal encounter a woman had with the Blessed Sacrament is excerpted from the book “Real People, Real Presence” compiled by Cardinal William Keeler:

Where do I begin to tell about the most powerful experience I have ever had before the Eucharist? My story starts in the late 1970s, when as an unmarried teenager, I became pregnant. In a time of doubt, fear and confusion, I committed a sin that I will regret as long as I live … I aborted my unborn child.

Years later, I stopped at a 100-year-old church in downtown Baltimore for Eucharistic adoration. I had prayed to the Lord about my aborted child many times before. This time, as I prayed for God’s forgiveness again, I suddenly had the feeling I was not alone.

I called God’s name and asked, “Is that you?” His answer was “Yes.”

At that moment, a shimmering, white being came down and sat beside me. For the next 15 minutes, he and I sat in each other’s presence. From him, I sensed no anger or condemnation, simply warm, unconditional love and joy.

Then, he left my side and went away. When I told a friend about what had happened, she believed (as I did) that I had received a great gift from God. He allowed me to feel his complete and total forgiveness for my sin so long ago.

Do I love the Eucharist? Absolutely! I have no words to truly express the peace and joy the Eucharist has brought into my life.

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That peace and joy is available to all of us when we sit with the Blessed Sacrament.