FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River joined dioceses across the country in June to launch the National Eucharistic Revival as a response to the challenge of an alarming decline in the number Catholics who believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Revival, an initiative of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, is planned as a multi-year, multi-faceted movement to restore understanding and rekindle devotion to the Eucharistic Lord.

In its first year, the Revival calls for opportunities at the diocesan level to support leaders -clergy and laity alike- in their own encounter with Jesus in the Eucharistic and to help equip them to share their understanding and experience with the wider community of faith.

The Diocese of Fall River will begin what is planned as a series of such opportunities with a virtual webinar by a national leader of the Eucharistic Revival movement.

“Eucharistic Belief & Practice: What Now” will look at the scope of the situation in the U.S. and consider steps to take to foster a return to the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Catholic faith. It will be presented by Sister Alicia Torres, F.E., of Chicago, who serves on the Executive Team for the National Eucharistic Revival at the invitation of the U.S. Bishops.

It will take place online at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30. There is no charge to participate.

“According to the 2019 Pew Research Center study, 69% of Catholics in America do not believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist,” said David Carvalho, who is Secretary for the New Evangelization for the Diocese of Fall River.

“We’re at an important point as Catholics and our next steps will have important ramifications. Sr Alicia will help us understand this situation and what we can do next, with the help of God.”

Sr. Torres’ wide-ranging ministry as a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist encompasses service to the poor, evangelization, and teaching.

She works at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels on Chicago’s West Side, serves as vocation director for her religious community, and as a religion teacher in an inner-city Catholic school. She has written for several online and print media outlets, including First Things, Catholic News Service, and America magazine.

Fans of Food Network’s Chopped may remember her for winning a special 2015 Thanksgiving show competition that featured chefs who serve the underprivileged.

Sr. Torres studied theology at Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois, and holds a master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.

Interested persons may register to attend for free here.

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River