Christians and non-Christians probably know or have heard of the Eucharist; however, non-Christians will likely know it by the more common name Communion, the Last Supper or Sacrifice (Pohle). The basis of the Eucharist is in fact founded on the Last Supper of Christ and on the continuous celebration of communion with God. Always means the sacrifice that Jesus made to enable all humanity to be forgiven of their sins and once again earn a place in the kingdom of God. On April 17, 2003, Pope John Paul II presented to the world his 14th and final encyclical letter as Supreme Pontiff. In his Ecclesia de Eucharistia, presented on Holy Thursday, Pope John Paul II discusses in depth the Eucharist, its importance in history and in the future, the magnitude it has had on the Church and faith as well as the importance of its continuation for the Church and humanity. . This essay will begin by summarizing this encyclical and highlighting what inspired and influenced its creation and why it should be considered for today and for future generations of man. To begin, we must first explain and summarize the true meaning of the encyclical. The Eucharist and what it means and signifies for the Catholic faith. Basically, the Eucharist is a story of Jesus' actions at the Last Supper with his 12 disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus broke the bread and, while giving the bread to each of his disciples, decreed that the bread was his body and that they should eat it. As he distributed wine to the disciples, he declared, “This is my blood,” and they were to accept his gift and continue his work after his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven (Luke 22:19-20). Handsome Catholic...... middle of paper ......b. March 17, 2014. English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments: Pew and Worship Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2007. N. p. Kindle.Marthaler, Berard L. “The Creed: The Apostolic Faith in Contemporary Theology”. 3rd ed. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2010. Print.Pohle, Joseph. “Sacrifice of the Mass.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Flight. 10. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. March 17, 2014. Pope John Paul II. “Encyclical letter Ecclesia De Eucaristia, April 17, 2003.” Encyclical letter Ecclesia De Eucaristia, April 17, 2003. Vatican.va, April 17, 2003. Web. March 16, 2014. Regan, Patrick. “Turning off the mind: the epiclesis in recent Roman documents.” » Cult 79.5 (2005): 386-404. Index to Periodicals and Catholic Literature ATLA. Internet. March 17. 2014.