The Centrality of the Eucharist in the Church Fathers
The True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist as the Heart of Priestly Ministry
41st Easter Seminar for Priests and Seminarians

WHEN Sunday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 23, 2025

WHERE Shellbourne Conference Center  |  Valparaiso, Indiana

The manifestation of the treasures of the Gospel message rests, in significant part, on the priest’s loving witness of the heart of Jesus. As has been clearly shown in the lives of the saints, the power to love as Christ loved is only possible if totally centered on Christ’s Eucharistic Sacrifice and Eucharistic Presence.

We are privileged to have as our guest speaker Mike Aquilina, award-winning author of over 70 books on the history of the Church with a special emphasis on the Church Fathers. He has hosted eleven TV series and has been involved with several documentaries. Aquilina is the co-founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology based in Steubenville, Ohio. Given the vital importance of the Eucharist in priestly life, our distinguished speaker will elucidate the Church Fathers’ teaching on the Holy Eucharist.

“The Eucharist is Jesus who gives himself entirely to us. To nourish ourselves with him and abide in him through Holy Communion, if we do it with faith, transforms our life into a gift from God and to our brothers.”

POPE FRANCIS,
Angelus August 15, 2015

The Centrality of the Eucharist in the Church Fathers

Lectures I - IV

Mike Aquilina

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Steubenville, OH

Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025

6:30 p.m.

Arrival and Light Supper


8:00 p.m.

Introductory Talk


Monday, April 21, 2025

7:00 a.m.

Morning Prayer


7:15 a.m.

Preached Meditation


7:45 a.m.

Eucharistic Concelebration
(Please bring alb and stole)


11:00 a.m.

Lecture I


4:45 p.m.

Holy Hour


7:00 p.m.

Lecture II


Tuesday, April 22, 2025

7:00 a.m.

Morning Prayer


7:15 a.m.

Preached Meditation


7:45 a.m.

Eucharistic Concelebration
(Please bring alb and stole)


11:00 a.m.

Lecture III


4:45 p.m.

Holy Hour


7:00 p.m.

Lecture IV


Wednesday, April 23, 2025

7:15 a.m.

Morning Prayer


7:30 a.m.

Preached Meditation


8:00 a.m.

Eucharistic Concelebration
(Please bring alb and stole)


9:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Departure

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Midwest Theological Forum
4340 Cross Street, Suite 1
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Midwest Theological Forum (MTF) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes Catholic teaching through various theological media, especially the publication of printed works. An essential part of this mission includes spiritual and pastoral conferences and theological workshops for the ongoing formation of priests and seminarians in cooperation with the diocesan bishops. For more information visit www.theologicalforum.org

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