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Hi, Carmen —
You said:
What is the difference between
the Eucharistic prayers said during Mass?
The difference is basically:
- the verbiage or words that make up each prayer
- the length of each prayer and
- the occasion the prayer is celebrating for.
The words:
The words used will vary from Eucharistic Prayer
to Eucharistic Prayer with the exception of the
Institution Narrative.
This Institution Narrative consists of the words
the priest prays over the unconsecrated bread and
grape wine that changes their substance into the
Body and Blood of our Lord. They are a reenactment
of the Last Supper.
My favorite is Eucharistic Prayer One because
of the numerous saints it explicitly invokes.
The occasion:
Originally, the Vatican approved four Eucharistic
Prayers. Later, I believe they approved nine other
Eucharistic Prayers for various occasions, like
for kids Masses, Family Masses, Funeral Masses
as well as Eucharistic Prayers for other purposes
and settings.
As my colleague Mary Ann corrected me, the purpose
of the prayer is always the same, to prepare for,
make present, and offer the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
(Eucharist) which is the Lord Himself.
Hope this answers your question.
Mike
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