The Eucharist (13): Effects of Eucharistic Communion

In those who receive it with dignity and devotion, the Holy Eucharist produces the following effects:

It increases sanctifying grace and the fervor of charity: just as food supports and increases the life of the body, so the Holy Eucharist preserves and increases grace which is the life of the soul;
It forgives venial sins;
It is of great help for final perseverance: by diminishing concupiscence, preserving from mortal sin, strengthening the soul in the practice of good works, and producing spiritual consolation.

“I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from Heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread which came down from Heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world” (Jn. 6:48-52).

The Holy Eucharist increases fervor and powerfully helps us to act in accordance with the will of God and the plans of Jesus Christ for each of us; it gives a pledge of future glory and the resurrection of our body.