Discover the biblical roots of the Eucharist in a dynamic new series from the Augustine Institute

The Passover Lamb. The Manna from Heaven. The mysterious Bread of the Presence. At the Last Supper, Jesus said “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood.” Some say they’re merely symbols of remembrance. Others say they’re really the Body and Blood of Christ, but can’t explain how that’s possible. The Eucharist is the center-point of the Mass – but where is it the Bible?

The answers are here, in the latest series from the Augustine Institute, LECTIO: EUCHARIST:  DISCOVERING THE MASS IN THE BIBLE. Renowned teacher Dr. Brant Pitre guides us through Scripture and Church teaching to illuminate the wonder and miracle of the Eucharist. With deep insight, Dr. Pitre gives a fresh and thoroughly biblical perspective for understanding the mystery that is the Eucharist. A comprehensive Bible study on the Eucharist, this new video series takes you step-by step through the Old and New Testaments, beginning with the Garden of Eden in the book of Genesis and ending with the Wedding Supper of the Lamb in the book of Revelation.

The sessions in the Lectio: Eucharist series are: 

Session 1: Source and Summit: Introducing the Eucharist – What exactly is the Eucharist? What do the various names of the Eucharist reveal? And why does the Church teach that it is the “Source and Summit” of the Christian life?


Session 2: In the Beginning: Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life – What does the Garden of Eden have to do with the Sacrament we experience today? Is the Eucharist prefigured from the very beginning of the Bible?


Session 3: Lamb of God: The Sacrifice of Isaac and the Passover Lamb – Why does God ask Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac? And how does this mystery point forward to the death of Jesus on Calvary and the sacrifice of the Mass?


Session 4: Miracles of Exodus: Manna and Water – Are the wonders of the Exodus just miracles? Or are they signs pointing to the great miracle Jesus will accomplish in the Eucharist?


Session 5: Mysteries of the Tabernacle:  The Bread of the Presence – What is the meaning of the mysterious “Bread of the Presence” that was kept in the Tabernacle of Moses? And what does it reveal about Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist?


Session 6: Miracles of Jesus: Water, Wine, Loaves, and Fishes – The miracles of Jesus weren’t just displays of divine power. They were also meant to prefigure what he would ultimately accomplish in the Upper Room.


Session 7: Bread of Life Discourse: John 6 and the Real Presence – In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, Jesus makes a startling statement about his own flesh and blood. What did it mean to the listeners of His time – and to us now as we approach the Eucharist?


Session 8: The Last Supper and the Cross: The New Passover of Christ – What was Passover like at the time of Jesus? A closer look at how first century Jews celebrated the Passover reveals more than we might expect about the Last Supper.


Session 9: The Mass: Emmaus and the Mystery of the Eucharist – Why does Jesus disappear after he breaks the bread on the Road to Emmaus? And how did the early Church understood Jesus’ words “Do this in memory of Me”?


Session 10: Revelation: Heavenly Worship and the End of Time – What is worship like in heaven? And what can the book of Revelation teach us about our liturgy and worship on earth? 

Ideal for small group or home use, the Lectio: Eucharist series includes 5 DVDs with over 7 hours of video presentation. A Personal Study Guide with extensive devotional help and a Leader’s Study Guide can be added to make the group experience dynamic and penetrating.

Dr. Brant Pitre says, “If you look for the word ‘Mass’ in the Bible, you won’t find it anywhere. But if you start in the Garden of Eden and walk step-by-step to the book of Revelation, you will discover that the reality of the Eucharist is everywhere in Scripture. It is prefigured in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New, because the Eucharist is indeed the source and summit of the Christian life.” 

About the Host:

Dr. Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. He is the author of several books, as well as an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker. He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. He currently lives in Louisiana, with his wife Elizabeth, and their five children. is available for interviews about this series.

Dr. Brant Pitre, the host of the Lectio: Eucharist series, is available for interviews.

To view a sample episode or request an interview with Dr. Brant Pitre, please contact:  Rose Trabbic, Publicist, Ignatius Press at (239) 867-4180 or rose@ignatius.com