Florida Catholic | Discover The Eucharist

Discover the Eucharist

A Traveling exhibit aims to educate people about the miracle of Mass.

YEDICA LEAL–GONZALEZ | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 06.06.08

The traveling exhibit on the Eucharist features life-size replicas of the altar, as well as pamphlets that explain the Eucharist’s significance and the meaning of various liturgical symbols. Admission to the exhibit is free and all information is offered in English and Spanish.
YEDICA LEAL–GONZALEZ | La Voz Catolíca

It is our intention to awaken a greater devotion, a greater dedication and adoration toward Christ in the Eucharist.”
— Luis Siman, Florida Center for Peace

MIAMI | The next time Mass seems long or boring, think about the miracle you are witnessing.

“In the Eucharist, the Lord fulfills his promise to be with us until the end of time. There are many people who don’t comprehend what that means,” said Luis Siman, a member of the Florida Center for Peace who is coordinating a traveling exhibit about the Eucharist.

The exhibit began making its way to parishes throughout the archdiocese in May and will continue to do so at least until October.

According to Siman, the exhibit is a means of evangelization and a tool with which to combat the lack of knowledge many people have regarding the mystery of the Eucharist.

“There are many mistaken concepts regarding the Eucharist. We need to form ourselves in the faith and be conscious of what happens during this very special moment in the Mass,” said Siman, a member of St. John Neumann Parish in Kendall.

The exhibit was put together with the help of architect Mauricio Siman, (Luis’ cousin) and graphics designer Dan Gonzalez. Mauricio Siman designed the structure itself, a cubicle built out of cloth-covered panels. Gonzalez designed the posters, pamphlets and informative videos that accompany the exhibit. A group of laypeople, supervised by priests, wrote the information contained in the pamphlets distributed to visitors.

“This has been a labor of love, the great love all of those involved feel for the Eucharist,” Luis Siman said.

The 20-by-40-foot cubicle is split into four modules. Visitors walk through each section, which explains, through posters and audiovisuals, the different facets of the Eucharist as well as miracles related to the Eucharist.

“It is our intention to awaken a greater devotion, a greater dedication and adoration toward Christ in the Eucharist,” said Siman. “The Eucharist is the center of our faith and, as Catholics, it should be the center of our lives.”

“We can’t participate in something that we do not understand, and to be able to participate actively in Mass we have to understand it,” said Gonzalez, who credits the Eucharist for his return to the Catholic faith.

“My greatest desire is that this exhibit will lead people to discover the beauty of the Mass and to realize its importance and purpose,” Gonzalez added. “The holy Mass is the greatest gift God has given us and many people do not take it seriously. I hope this exhibit will change hearts.”

The exhibit began its journey at Corpus Christi Parish in Miami, where it was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Estevez May 10. Admission is free and open to all.

Leal-Gonzalez writes for La Voz Católica, the monthly Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami.

WHERE TO GO

Following is the itinerary of the exhibit on the Eucharist sponsored by the Florida Center for Peace:

• St. John Bosco, 1358 N.W. First St., Miami, through June 10

• St. John Neumann, 12125 S.W. 107 Ave., Miami, June 11-17

• St. Raymond, 3475 S.W. 17 St., Miami, June 18-24

• St. Joachim, 19150 S.W. 117 Ave., Miami, June 30-July 4

• Immaculate Conception, 4497 W. First Ave., Hialeah, July 17-22

• St. Louis, 7270 S.W. 120 St., Pinecrest, July 23-Aug. 12

• St. Robert Bellarmine, 3405 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami, Sept. 10-16

• St. Agatha, 1111 S.W. 107 Ave., Miami, Sept. 17-30

• St. Joseph, 8670 Byron Ave., Miami Beach, Oct. 1-14

• St. Malachy, 6200 John Horan Terrace, Tamarac, Oct. 23-29

Parishes or schools interested in hosting the exhibit should call the Florida Center for Peace at 305-412-1700.

Return to the Archdiocese of Miami Front Page

Discover the Eucharist

WHERE TO GO

Other Stories