The term “transubstantiation,” which describes the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, was coined in the 13th century but early Christians believed in transubstantiation long before the term was used, said Deacon Charles Bobertz.

“That is something just to marvel at,” Deacon Bobertz said.

Deacon Bobertz, professor of theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville and a deacon at Pax Christi in Eden Prairie, talked about Eucharistic tradition during a recent conversation with “Practicing Catholic” radio show producer Kayla Mayer.

Deacon Bobertz said understanding of the Eucharist has roots in Jewish tradition and has been influenced by Greco-Roman ideas.

“I try to explain these aspects of the modern thinking about the Eucharist that go back to these ancient philosophical and religious understandings from the Jewish and the Greek philosophical tradition,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of tradition in the Catholic faith, Deacon Bobertz said the Eucharist cannot be understood apart from its tradition.

“To be Catholic is to be enveloped in tradition,” he said.

Deacon Bobertz will present on the Eucharistic tradition on Thursday, March 21 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove; Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. online or in person at St. John’s University’s Emmaus Hall; and Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish Center in New Hope.

For a further sneak peek into Deacon Bobertz’s upcoming lectures on the history of the Eucharist, tune into “Practicing Catholic” when it airs 9 p.m. March 1 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, or when it repeats at 1 p.m. March 2 and 2 p.m. March 3.     

Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show includes a discussion with Father David Blume and Father Peter Williams about Archbishop Bernard Hebda’s decision to temporarily assign three members of the Companions of Christ to the Diocese of Crookston. Also, Hill-Murray hockey coach Bill Lechner reflects on coaching and living the Catholic faith after 600 career wins.

Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.