During this holiday week of Thanksgiving, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is reminding Catholics of the importance of the Eucharist and encouraging them to reflect on how grateful they should be for this spiritual gift. 

Coming from the greek word “eukharistia,” it means “thanksgiving” or “gratitude.”

“Did you know that the word ‘Eucharist’ means ‘Thanksgiving?' This week, we’re focusing on gratitude for the Eucharist, the gift of the real presence of Jesus among us. Today, pray about what it means to you that Jesus is always present to you in the Eucharist,” the Diocese of Pittsburgh tweeted.

The origins of Thanksgiving are actually very Catholic, according to Catholic World Report, which explains that Squanto, the Native American who is known for his help toward the Plymouth settlers and in celebrating the first Thanksgiving was Catholic. He had been brought to Spain as a slave in 1614 but was saved by Dominican friars who formed him in the faith. They then helped him to return to North America after spending time in England. He served as an interpreter upon his return to America. 

Many Catholic churches celebrate Mass on Thanksgiving day, as it is a natural time to thank God for our gifts and most of all the gift of the Eucharist. 

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.”

The Catholic Church celebrates the remembrance that Jesus commanded them to at every Mass, in which they make a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice through the forms of bread and wine; during the consecration of the sacrifices, it is believed that they change substance into the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ.