178 EMHC of SMPRP Sent-Forth on Corpus Christi Sunday

Last June 7, 2026, on Corpus Christi Sunday, 178 Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish were sent forth by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Orlando Angelia, and they committed themselves to help the Parish Priest distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the congregation.

The Parish started the celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, a sacred feast that honors the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist with a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament at 9:00 a.m. starting from the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine, Buhangin, and proceeding to St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish Church, and it culminated with a Eucharistic celebration at 10:00 a.m. The mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Orlando Angelia, Parish Priest, and assisted by Seminarian Ian Murillo.

The homily of Fr. Orlando Angelia highlighted the profound significance of this day, emphasizing the core doctrine and the deep mystery of our faith. He reflected on the divine nature of Jesus’ Body, which contains His Blood, quoting: “Drink with Me the most sacred of His Holy Church.” The Apostles were directed to the Holy Eucharist, where Christ comes down to offer His sacrifice. This doctrine of “transubstantiation” reveals the mystical change: the substances of bread and wine are transformed into the actual Body and Blood of Christ, even as their appearances remain the same. Jesus’ declaration, “This is my Body, which I offer to you,” underscores the profound truth of His real presence.

The Eucharist is not merely symbolic but a true and divine presence. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, God is truly present in the Eucharist because of His love and desire to be with us. Every Mass becomes a unique sacrifice, uniting us with Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and with the entire Church community.

He also reminded the congregation of the importance of reverence when receiving Holy Communion. Even the smallest particles of the consecrated Host should be consumed respectfully—allowing them to melt in the mouth rather than wiping them away with a handkerchief. This act reflects our respect for Christ’s presence and acknowledgment of the sacred mystery.

Fr. Orly concluded by reaffirming that Jesus is “the Living Bread that comes down from Heaven.” The cup of blessing, shared during the Eucharist, is not merely symbolic but the actual Blood of Christ, as highlighted in the Second Reading by St. Paul.

Cherishing this great mystery of our faith, we are called to celebrate Christ’s love, and we are reminded that every Mass is sacred. It is a sacrifice that unites us with Christ and the Church, strengthening our spiritual connection to God. The Eucharist embodies both a symbolic and real presence of Christ, calling us to trust and worship. It is also a profound encounter with divine love, motivating us to live as witnesses of Christ’s mercy and sacrifice. (Nimuel Galvez, PSL | St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish)