ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the various means through which the Eucharist was offered to the faithful. The first tool was preaching: particular examination is made of the work of Charles Borromeo, Bishop of Milan, who devoted many homilies to the Eucharist. The saint emphasised the Eucharist’s social value and ability to unite Christian communities, often referring to the sacrament’s importance in his pastoral visits. During the modern era, many books for preaching, meditation, and sermons were also produced: the Eucharist’s centrality prompted Catholic authorities to create both tools to instruct preachers to extol the sacrament and books intended for the faithful’s eucharistic meditation. A special effort was also made to educate the clergy who, while celebrating Mass, had to behave appropriately and act as an exemplary model to inspire believers. The final section focuses on frequent communion: in a debate that lasted throughout the modern age, religious authorities continued to discuss the practice of frequent communion, encouraging it in most cases.
