Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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BLESSED SACRAMENT

The Eucharist as one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ to be received by the faithful. Unlike the other sacraments, however, the eucharist is not only a sacrament to be received but also a sacrament to be adored before, during, and after reception. It is therefore a permanent sacrament, since Christ remains in the Eucharist as long as the physical properties of the species of bread and wine remain essentially unchanged.