In this Episode of 'Entering Heaven on Earth' Fr Lawrence Lew explores London's Eucharist Shrine, Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, a hidden gem of a Catholic Church in central London. Here, he uncovers what lies at the heart of all Catholic Churches: Jesus truly present in His body, blood, soul and divinity, in the holy Eucharist.

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Discover the profound mystery of the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ and why God humbles Himself to dwell among us in the tabernacle. Dominican friar Father Lawrence Lew explores how the Blessed Sacrament is the heart of Catholic Churches and how the Eucharist transforms our lives.

Drawing from Scripture, tradition and the wisdom of the saints, including Saint Augustine, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and St Carlo Acutis, this episode explains how the Eucharist is not merely symbolic, but truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Unlike ordinary food, the Eucharist transforms us into Christ, drawing us into the very life of God.

Set within Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, a hidden gem of a Catholic church in London, this episode also uncovers the deeper meaning behind the beauty, art and symbolism found in Catholic churches. Fr Lawrence challenges the common misconception that this beauty is about wealth or display and instead reveals how everything, from gold to candles to sacred images, points toward the presence of God in the tabernacle.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:33 How to Decode a Catholic Church
2:06 Corpus Christi Catholic Church, London
2:40 The Eucharist, God Among Us
4:11 Why is God present in the Eucharist?
5:38 Decoding London's Eucharist Shrine
9:04 Young people coming to Mass
10:08 A Shrine of St Carlo Acutis
11:26 The Eucharist, 'Highway to Heaven'

What Catholics believe about The Eucharist
The Eucharist is at the very heart of the Catholic faith. The Eucharist is not just a symbol, but the true Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine. This teaching is known as the Real Presence and it has been at the heart of Catholic faith and worship for over 2000 years.

The Eucharist is a sacrament celebrated at every Mass, where bread and wine become Jesus Christ through the power of God. It is not simply a symbol or a reminder of Jesus, but a real and living encounter with Him. The Eucharist is also a sacrifice, because it makes present to us the one sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. The Eucharist is also a communion, because it unites us intimately with Jesus and with one another.

About Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Maiden Lane
Tucked away just off the busy streets of Covent Garden, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Maiden Lane, is one of central London’s most remarkable and often overlooked Catholic landmarks. A true 'hidden gem', this historic church is not only architecturally beautiful but also spiritually significant as London’s Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament. Founded in 1874 by Cardinal Manning, the church was built as an act of reparation for offences against the Eucharist following the English Reformation. Designed by architect F. H. Pownall in an Early English Gothic style, the building is now Grade II listed, reflecting its architectural and historical importance. Interestingly, due to space constraints in Maiden Lane, the church was constructed below street level, adding to its hidden, almost secretive character in the middle of bustling London.

About St Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) is one of the most searched and talked-about young figures in the Catholic Church today. Known as the 'Millennial Saint' and the 'Patron of the Internet,' Carlo Acutis has inspired millions around the world through his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his use of technology to spread the Catholic faith. Born in London and raised in Milan, Carlo famously described the Eucharist as “my highway to heaven.” He believed that the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist was the greatest gift given to humanity and encouraged others to attend Mass and spend time in Adoration.