Flannery O’Connor’s Bold Belief: The Eucharist as Her Lifeline

Sometimes, seeing someone else’s faith can remind us of what truly matters. I remember this from my seminary days at Mount Angel in Oregon. One of my classmates wrote his thesis on Flannery O’Connor, a 20th-century writer known for her deep Catholic faith and stories of struggle and redemption.

Flannery’s love for the Eucharist began at a young age. Growing up in Georgia, she was drawn to the Eucharist and sensed it was something more than just bread and wine. She once asked a priest, “Father, I believe the Eucharist is something more, but what is it?” He replied, “It’s the real presence of Jesus.” This truth touched her deeply, and she never forgot it.

Even after being diagnosed with lupus at 26, Flannery’s devotion didn’t waver. Despite her illness, she insisted on going to Mass, saying, “I need to go to church because Jesus is my strength.” One Sunday, feeling particularly weak, she attended Mass. When the priest lifted the Eucharist, she felt a warmth and strength fill her. For Flannery, the Eucharist was more than a symbol; it was a real encounter with Jesus that gave her life.

Her faith aligns with the Gospel teachings. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” These words were hard for many to accept, and some even left Him. Yet, Jesus didn’t back down from His message. He asked His disciples, “Will you also leave?” Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Flannery held on to this truth throughout her life, believing in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. She once said, “If this is a symbol, to hell with it,” meaning if the Eucharist were just a symbol, it wouldn’t be worth the effort. For her, and for many Catholics, the Eucharist is Jesus Himself.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the Eucharist is not just a symbol; it’s a true encounter with Jesus. When we believe this, like Flannery did, it becomes a source of hope, strength, and renewal, especially in tough times.

So, whether your faith is strong or you’re still seeking, consider Flannery’s journey. Pray for a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. And when faced with doubt, may we, like Peter, say, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”