The document examines the concept of communion, focusing on its etymology, usage in Christianity, and significance as a sacrament. It discusses the theological meanings associated with communion, including remembrance and the differing beliefs among Christian denominations regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Additionally, it highlights the historical development of communion practices, its communal and spiritual aspects, and its role in interfaith dialogue.

1. REED – 3
LIFE and COMMUNION
Elmer G. Cabanillas, LPT
AB-Philosophy (St. John Mary Vianney Seminary)
MA- Philosophy (Silliman University)

2. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNION
• Communion in Christianity
• Communion Practices in
Other Religions

3. Objectives:
• Define communion.
• Explain communion according
to Christianity

4. Etymology of the word
• The word "communion" has its roots in
Latin. It comes from the Latin word
"communio," which means "fellowship"
or "sharing." "Communio" itself is
derived from "communis," meaning
"common" or "shared.

5. • The term evolved in Old French as
"comunio" or "comunyon" before
making its way into Middle English as
"comunyon" or "comunion." Over time,
it came to specifically denote the
Christian sacrament of the Eucharist or
the act of sharing in this sacrament.

6. • In essence, the etymology reflects the
idea of shared experience or fellowship,
which aligns with the sacramental
practice of Communion as an act of
shared faith and unity among believers.

7. Who first used the term?
• The term "communion" has been used
in Christian contexts since the early
Church. It is derived from Latin, but its
specific application to the Eucharist or
sacramental sharing in the body and
blood of Christ was developed over
time.

8. • The earliest usage of "communion" in
this context can be traced back to the
Latin Vulgate Bible, translated by St.
Jerome in the late 4th century. The Latin
word "communio" was used to translate
Greek terms related to fellowship and
sharing in the sacrament.

9. • In the early Christian Church, the concept of
"communio" was integral to the
understanding of the Eucharist, reflecting
the idea of communal participation and
spiritual unity. This usage was further
solidified by Church Fathers and theologians
who contributed to the development of
Christian liturgy and sacramental theology.

10. • The term became more standardized in Christian
liturgical language as the Church's doctrines and
practices became more formalized, especially
during the Middle Ages. Thus, while it’s difficult
to pinpoint a single individual who first used the
term "communion" in the sacramental sense, it
was established by early Christian writers and
theologians based on its Latin roots and
theological implications.

11. Communion in Christianity
• In Christianity, Communion (also known
as the Eucharist, the Lord's Supper, or
the Sacrament of the Altar) is a central
rite that involves the ritual sharing of
bread and wine. This sacrament has
profound theological, spiritual, and
communal significance.

12. 1. Theological Significance:
• Remembrance: At its core, Communion is
a way of remembering and
commemorating Jesus Christ’s Last
Supper with his disciples before his
crucifixion. The act is grounded in the
instructions given by Jesus in the
Gospels: "Do this in remembrance of me"
(Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

13. • Real Presence: Different Christian
denominations have varying beliefs
about the nature of the bread and wine.

14. Real Presence:
• Roman Catholicism: The doctrine of transubstantiation holds
that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of
Christ while retaining their outward appearance.
• Eastern Orthodoxy: Similar to Catholicism, Orthodox Christians
believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
• Protestantism: Views vary widely. Some, like Lutherans, believe
in the real presence but reject transubstantiation. Others, like
Baptists and many Evangelicals, see Communion as a symbolic
act of faith and remembrance rather than a literal
transformation.

15. Lanciano Italy, 8th Century AD
In 1970-'71 and taken up again partly
in 1981 there took place a scientific
investigation by the most illustrious
scientist Prof. Odoardo Linoli,
eminent Professor in Anatomy and
Pathological Histology and in
Chemistry and Clinical Microscopy.
He was assisted by Prof. Ruggero
Bertelli of the University of Siena.

16. • The Flesh is real Flesh. The Blood is real Blood.
• The Flesh and the Blood belong to the human species.
• The Flesh consists of the muscular tissue of the heart.
• In the Flesh we see present in section: the myocardium, the endocardium, the vagus nerve
and also the left ventricle of the heart for the large thickness of the myocardium.
• The Flesh is a "HEART" complete in its essential structure.
• The Flesh and the Blood have the same blood-type: AB (Blood-type identical to that which
Prof. Baima Bollone uncovered in the Holy Shroud of Turin).
• In the Blood there were found proteins in the same normal proportions (percentage-wise)
as are found in the sero-proteic make-up of the fresh normal blood.
• In the Blood there were also found these minerals: chlorides, phosphorus, magnesium,
potassium, sodium and calcium.
• The preservation of the Flesh and of the Blood, which were left in their natural state for
twelve centuries and exposed to the action of atmospheric and biological agents, remains
an extraordinary phenomenon.

17. 2. Liturgical Practice:
• Celebration: Communion is celebrated
regularly in Christian worship services.
The frequency can vary: Catholics and
Orthodox Christians typically celebrate
it at every Mass, while many Protestant
denominations observe it less
frequently, such as monthly or
quarterly.

18. • Elements: The ritual involves the
consecration and distribution of bread
and wine. These elements symbolize
Christ’s body and blood, though
interpretations of their significance
differ among denominations.

19. 3. Spiritual and Communal Aspects:
• Unity: Communion serves as a means of
spiritual nourishment and is a symbol of the
unity of the Church. By partaking in the
Eucharist, believers express their collective faith
and fellowship.
• Grace: For many Christians, Communion is also
a means of receiving grace. It’s seen as an
opportunity to renew one’s relationship with
God and seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

20. 4. Historical Development:
• Early Church: The practice of
Communion dates back to the earliest
days of Christianity. The New Testament
describes the practice and its
significance, and the Apostolic Fathers,
such as Ignatius of Antioch and Justin
Martyr, provide early descriptions of
Eucharistic practices.

21. • Church Councils: The theological
understanding and liturgical practices
surrounding Communion have been
developed and formalized through
various Church councils and theological
debates over the centuries.

22. • Communion is a deeply rooted
and multifaceted practice in Christianity,
reflecting the diverse ways in which
different traditions understand and
honor the sacrament.

23. Short Quiz:
• What is communion according to
Christianity?
• Explain the real presence in
Christianity?
• Explain the remembrance according to
theological significance of Christianity.

24. NEXT TOPIC:
Communion
Practices in Other
Religions

25. LIFE AND COMMUNION IN THE MODERN WORLD
• Interfaith Dialogue and
Reflection

26. GRADING SYTEM
Criteria Percentage
Major Examination (i.e. prelim, midterm, etc.) 30%
Quizzes and Assignments 30%
Activities, Projects, etc. 30%
Attendance 10%
TOTAL Grade Percentage 100%

27. Thank You!