# The Holy Eucharist as an Instrument of Conversion
*2019-08-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the power of the Eucharist to draw Catholics back to the Church and leads listeners through the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.

## Introduction and Purpose

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. Today we read from our Legion of Mary handbook, page 318, on “The Holy Eucharist as an Instrument of Conversion.” I want to share a brief note about a podcast I heard last night, U.S. Grace Force, hosted by Fr. Richard and Doug Barry, featuring a convert from Protestantism. Their work reminds us of the importance of praying the Rosary, especially on Thursdays when we pray the Luminous Mysteries. I hope this reading helps those of us who cannot attend the Legion of Mary meetings on Fridays.

## Why the Eucharist Leads to Conversion

The reading begins by noting that too much time is spent on arguments that do not lead people to the Church. The most effective way to give outsiders a glimpse of the treasures within is to present the doctrine of the Eucharist. Scripture tells us that Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and said, “This is my body” (Matt 26:26), and later, “This is my blood of the new covenant” (Matt 26:28). Although the mystery is difficult, it is the very source of salvation. By receiving Holy Communion, we encounter Christ’s real presence—body, blood, soul, and divinity—bringing us into intimate union with Him.

## Mary’s Role in Spreading the Eucharist

The text explains that Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, as the universal dispenser of grace, helps make the Eucharist known and loved. She spreads the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament throughout the world, defends it against heresy, and prepares souls for communion. In this way, Mary leads us to the greatest means of salvation.

## The Luminous Mysteries

We now pray the Rosary, focusing on the Luminous Mysteries introduced by St. John Paul II.

1. **The Baptism of Jesus** – The Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son.”
2. **The Wedding at Cana** – Mary intercedes, and Jesus turns water into wine, revealing His divine power.
3. **The Proclamation of the Kingdom** – Jesus calls us to repentance and trust in God, performing miracles and preaching the Gospel.
4. **The Transfiguration** – Christ’s face shines, His clothes become dazzling white, and the voice of the Father affirms Him as the chosen Son.
5. **The Institution of the Eucharist** – At the Last Supper, Jesus gives us His Body and Blood, establishing the sacrament of adoration.

For each mystery we pray the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, asking for grace, peace, and hope, especially for those who are ill.

## Closing Prayer

We conclude with the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father, and the Hail Mary, invoking Mary’s intercession for all sinners, especially those in need of mercy. We finish with the prayer to Our Lady Queen of Heaven and a brief hymn praising God’s mercy and the triumph of the humble over the proud.

*The Eucharist, received in communion with Mary’s intercession, remains the most powerful means of drawing souls back to Christ.*