What is transubstantiation?

The term “transubstantiation” may seem complicated, but it is essential to sacramental life. It refers to the moment during Mass when the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ. In this Hozana article, we’ll explore transubstantiation in greater depth—its origins, its theological meaning, and what the Catholic Church teaches about it.

What is the definition of transubstantiation?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines transubstantiation as follows:

 “The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: 'Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.'” (CCC no. 1376)

We may also note the following paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

“In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist 'the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.' 'This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present.'” (CCC no. 1374)

“The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of the consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsist. Christ is present whole and entire in each of the species and whole and entire in each of their parts, in such a way that the breaking of the bread does not divide Christ.” (CCC no. 1377)

Consequently, transubstantiation refers to the real change of substance of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, while retaining their original appearances (they therefore remain identical to the human eye). This is also called the Real Presence.

Where does transubstantiation come from ?

St. Thomas Aquinas

The concept of transubstantiation was formalized in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas.

In the Summa Theologica, in response to the question “Can bread be transformed into the Body of Christ?”, he answers: “For the entire substance of the bread is transformed into the entire substance of the Body of Christ, and the entire substance of the wine into the entire substance of the Blood of Christ. This conversion is therefore not formal but substantial. It does not fall under any of the various kinds of natural movements, but it can be called ‘transubstantiation,’ which is its proper name.” (Summa Theologica, III, Question 75, Article 4)

Furthermore, he shows that “transubstantiation takes place only at the very last moment of the utterance of the words,” “This is my body” or “This is my blood.” (Summa Theologica, III, Question 78, Article 5)

Council of Trent

The term “transubstantiation” subsequently became official with the Council of Trent (1545–1563).

Chapter 4 of the Decree on the Sacrament of the Eucharist of the Council of Trent states: “Because Christ our Redeemer said that what he offered under the appearance of bread was truly his body [Mt 26:26–29; Mk 14:22–25; Lk 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24–26], it has always been held in the Church of God—and this is what this holy council declares anew today—that through the consecration of the bread and wine, a change takes place whereby the entire substance of the bread is transformed into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord, and the entire substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change has been rightly and properly called transubstantiation by the Holy Catholic Church [can. 2].” 

The same decree uses the strong term “anathema” for anyone who does not believe this: “If anyone says that, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, the substance of the bread and wine remains alongside the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and if he denies this wondrous and unique change of the entire substance of the bread into His Body and of the entire substance of the wine into His Blood, while the appearances of bread and wine remain—a change which the Catholic Church very appropriately calls transubstantiation—let him be anathema. ” (Chapter 8, Decree on the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Canon 2 on the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist)

Which Bible verses speak of transubstantiation?

Transubstantiation is based on Jesus’ own words at the Last Supper:

• “This is my Body” (Matthew 26:26)
• “This is my Blood ” (Matthew 26:28)

These words, recorded in the Gospels and confirmed by St. Paul, are understood as a literal, not symbolic, statement. The Catholic Church holds that Christ is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine, a presence that the faithful adore with respect and devotion.

What is transubstantiation in the Mass?

During Mass, one of the key moments is the consecration, when the priest pronounces the words of Jesus at the Last Supper (“This is my body… This is my blood…”). It is at this precise moment that transubstantiation occurs: the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, even though their outward appearance remains unchanged. Christ is truly present in every particle of the Eucharist, making Communion an intimate moment of encounter with Him. This explains why the Eucharist is considered the source and summit of the entire Christian life.

Transubstantiation and the Spiritual Life of the Faithful

Understanding and believing in transubstantiation has real consequences for Christian life:

• Eucharistic Adoration: Many Catholics devote time to adoring the Blessed Sacrament, recognizing the real presence of Christ.
• Worthy Reception: Before receiving Communion, the faithful prepare themselves through prayer in order to receive the Body and Blood of Christ with dignity and respect. For example, it is recommended not to receive the Body of Christ with just one hand. 
• Sacramental Life: Transubstantiation reminds us of the importance of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

With Hozana, let’s experience the sacraments!

Hozana offers you numerous prayer communities throughout the year to help you deepen your life of prayer and faith, such as:

• The readings for the Mass of the Day
• Daily meditation on the Gospel