The Institution Narrative
Catholics believe that Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the
Corinthians 11. “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,
took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This
is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the
same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new
covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance
This institution narrative is part of every Eucharistic Prayer at
Mass. This is the moment when simple bread and wine become the
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.
In Exodus 12, God told the children of Israel to celebrate the Passover
alive and present to all generations, they told the story again and
again. So it is with Catholics and the new Passover, the Paschal
Mystery of Christ. And just as the Jews believe that they are participating
are participating in the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. And so, at
every Mass, we continue to tell the story…and always will!
For further study:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 • CCC 1333-1344
CCC 1353 • CCC 1363
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Last Supper. All three of the synoptic Gospels – Matthew,
Mark and Luke – tell the story. St. Paul also recounts it in 1
of me.’”
as a “perpetual institution.” In order to keep this institution
in the Passover to this day, so Catholics believe that we
Notes