St. Mary’s embraces 33-day journey of faith with the Blessed Sacrament

Father Celestine Agwu, SMMM, a guest priest at St. Mary’s Parish, Moscow, leads participants of 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory in a consecration to Jesus in the Eucharist. Colin Meyer (right) and altar server siblings Jonah, Jezebel, and Jocelyn Couch (left) assist Father Agwu. (Courtesy photo/David Schmidt)

Lisa Ormond

for the ICR

On the Solemnity of Christ the King last year, more than 110 parishioners at St. Mary’s in Moscow and St. Mary’s Station in Genesse consecrated themselves to Jesus in the Eucharist during a ceremony celebrated at four different Masses. The Mass at St. Mary’s in Moscow was the culmination of a 33-day spiritual journey of study and prayer based on Matthew Kelly’s book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory.

At the end of each Mass, all participants were invited to the altar to read together the Prayer of Eucharistic Consecration, dedicating themselves to Jesus present in the Eucharist.

Colin Meyer, a parishioner at St. Mary’s, Moscow, who is in formation for the diaconate, was moved by what he witnessed: “It was glorious to behold all those who participated.” 

A Community Rises to Dedicate Itself to Jesus in the Eucharist

St. Mary’s Parish community members embarked on the pilgrimage to educate themselves about the extraordinary power of the Eucharist and its influence on their daily lives as Catholics.

“At first, I was not excited about 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory, nor about adding one more thing to my ‘To Do’ list,” said Denise Wetzel, parishioner and small group facilitator. “Then, I read in the book’s introduction about the person that would crawl naked over red-hot broken glass to receive such bread, and I realized I had much to learn about the true Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I immediately changed my attitude and made it a priority. I feel so blessed that I did.”

According to Father Benjamin Onyemachi, SMMM, Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Michelle Spain was the one who brought the spiritual program to St. Mary’s community.

“I was introduced to 33 Days in Arizona, where I started my Eucharistic journey,” Spain said.

The experience touched her heart in such a powerful way that Spain wanted to share it with her home parish, St. Mary’s.

“Yes, I brought the program forward, but as it unfolded, God’s plan was even bigger than I could have ever imagined.” she humbly commented. “It all kind of just blossomed as it went along, and so many people’s hands helped lift it and carry it along miraculously,” Spain added.

The Program’s Possibilities

The 33 Days format is an easy-to-follow structured program with daily readings, prayers, video podcasts, practical examples and reflections designed to guide individuals through a profound spiritual transformation focused on the Eucharist. It can be done in as little as 15 to 20 minutes daily or more extensively based on the participant’s desires and time available.

Approximately 500 books and study materials were purchased for adults and children and distributed far and wide. St. Mary’s in Genesee, St. Mary’s Church and School in Moscow, St. Mary Immaculate in Saint Maries, and Catholic parishes in Coeur d’Alene all received books.

In addition, many visiting adults and parents from states outside of Idaho grabbed copies during the Vandal Homecoming Weekend in October.

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory provides a period of spiritual pilgrimage, mirroring the earthly life of Jesus (who lived for 33 years). Individuals focus on deepening their relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist by committing themselves to a daily practice, ultimately leading to a personal consecration to Jesus in the Eucharist.

“I would recommend the study to others, but also highly recommend doing the study with a group. I believe there is so much to be gleaned from other people’s experiences,” said small group leader, Donna Brearley.

A Journey of Heart, Prayer and Profound Change

What does consecration mean?

According to Matthew Kelly, the bok’s author, consecration is an act of unconditional surrender to God. It means devoting oneself to God and making oneself 100 percent available to carry out His will on earth.

Brearley explained why she wanted to take part in 33 Days. Echoing the humble words of the father who brought his son to be healed by Jesus, she said, “‘I do believe; help my unbelief!’” (Mk 9:24).

She continued, “I am a cradle Catholic, and so much of my religion and faith is what ‘I was told.’ So, to come to a firm belief in my adult life was life-changing for me. I want to ingest all I can to make my faith foundation unshakable, especially during these times of tumult.”

Denise Wetzel heartfully summed up her experience of the program:

“I love thinking of myself as a living tabernacle after receiving Holy Communion. It makes me feel closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.”

Wetzel concluded, “I will continue to meditate on what I learned from this program during Advent and look to Mary as the first tabernacle to hold the Body and Blood of Jesus.”