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By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 20, 2025 The Essence: “The Mass is our earthly participation in the heavenly worship of the Angels and Saints. And we […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 20, 2025
The Essence: “The Mass is our earthly participation in the heavenly worship of the Angels and Saints. And we know for sure, that’s never-ending. It’s not only a banquet, it is a holy sacrifice, and when we see it that way, it’s no longer, ‘do I have to go? ’ It’s like, ‘Do I get to go?” says Scott Hahn
The Real Presence: The Mass is not a traditional cinematic production. However, this online exposition delivers a meticulously articulated narrative on the Catholic doctrine of the Holy Eucharist. With a Runtime of 28 minutes, this deeply immersive documentary enlightens, illuminates, and sends one home submerged in The Presence at the Holy Mass.
The Real Presence: The Mass is a thoughtfully constructed theological epic that guides the viewer through the intricate layers of a cornerstone belief. It’s a contemplative and deeply moving revelation, inviting the audience to reflect on the spiritual essence of the Eucharist.
The documentary excels in its clear focus. It begins by establishing the core tenet: the true, real, and substantial presence of Jesus Christ—body, blood, soul, and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine.
This central theme is reinforced through various segments, each shedding light on a different facet of this divine mystery. The documentary helps us witness the ‘unveiling’ of transubstantiation, a miraculous transformation rooted in faith.
Bishop David Toups describes the Mass as thus: “I always explain to young people… It’s like two halves of a football game. The first half is all about the Word. It’s our repentance. And then it’s the Liturgy of the Word, where we listen to the whole entirety of the Scripture through the course of our liturgy cycle. The homily unpacks the Word and makes it applicable for us today. The second half is the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when Christ the Word becomes flesh for us.”
The meticulous textual construction employs a compelling blend of scriptural references and official Church teachings. The narration is authoritative yet accessible, striving to elucidate complex theological concepts for a broad audience.
As Dr. Scott Hahn eloquently puts it, “He gives us everything he has: his body, blood, soul, and divinity. He holds nothing back… He couldn’t get any closer to us than he does in the Eucharist. We couldn’t get any closer to him. We call this idea the Real Presence…”
Sr. Briege McKenna powerfully articulates a key aspect of this understanding, stating, “The Eucharist is first of all the sacrifice, the victory of Calvary. It’s not just a re-enactment, you’re actually present. As the Catechism says, it’s an unbloody sacrifice, but it is the victory that has won your salvation and mine.”
She further emphasises the intimacy of this encounter: “The second thing is that the Eucharist is Communion with Jesus. I tell people, I’m always saying to them, ‘What would you say if I told you that you could personally meet Jesus, the living person, and that you could actually come into his presence and receive him? ’” This highlights the personal and communal aspects, drawing the audience into the transformative power of this sacrament.
While lacking the visual grandeur of a Hollywood production, the documentary’s strength lies in its intellectual and spiritual depth. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages a deeper understanding, making it an essential viewing for anyone seeking to comprehend the profound significance of the Holy Eucharist.
As Fr. Mike Schmitz states about this teaching, “What’s going to happen is that this bread and this wine are going to become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of God Incarnate. In a few moments, you and I are going to be able to behold, we are going to be able to hold in our hands or our mouths, in our very bodies, the glory of God… This teaching changed my life. This teaching is worth living for. This teaching is worth dying for.”
Fr. Mike’s explanation is presented with clarity, conviction, and a genuine desire to enlighten.
The Real Presence: The Mass is an exceptional work of divine art, if I may say so. The makers have to be lauded for the clarity, comprehensive exploration, and reverent presentation of their subject matter. It transforms a complex theological doctrine into an engaging and enlightening experience, deserving of widespread recognition for its educational and spiritual value.
Many of us go to Mass; how many of us are really present at Mass? Once you are done watching this documentary, you will understand how heaven comes down to earth on the altar along with all the Angels God ever made and all the Saints who ever lived.
“The Mass is our earthly participation in the heavenly worship of the Angels and Saints. And we know for sure, that’s never-ending. It’s not only a banquet, it is a holy sacrifice, and when we see it that way, it’s no longer, ‘do I have to go? ’ It’s like, ‘Do I get to go?” says Scott Hahn.
“Every Mass is a miracle,” says Sr. Bethany Madonna. “It’s too good to be true, but it’s the truth. It’s amazing how unamazed we are,” says Scott Hahn.
The next time you are at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, remember to give your petition to your guardian angel standing beside you. Ask him to place it in the Chalice and Paten to be transformed. Because, as Curtis Martin says, “This is a mystical reality that is more heavenly than earthly. Heaven descends to earth, and it’s our opportunity to ascend back into heaven with him. Every Mass is a miracle. Every other type of prayer is me trying to reach out to God. At the Mass, Jesus is reaching out to us.”
Credits
Director: John Barton
Producer: Joseph Helow
Director of Photography: Michael Barton
Run time: 28 minutes
Where to Watch: TheRealPresence.com
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