Christian Cyclopedia

Change of one substance into another. Term for RC view that in the eucharistic rite the substance or basic reality of bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ, while the outward appearances of bread and wine are not affected. RC theologians disagree as to whether bread and wine are annihilated in the process or if they pass into preexistent body and blood. See also Eucharistic Controversies; Grace, Means of, IV 3; Lateran Councils.