Servant of God Vera Grita (1923–1969), an Italian citizen, was a teacher and a Salesian Cooperator who, in the final two years of her life (1967–1969), received messages from Jesus, which she faithfully recorded. These messages centred on renewing Eucharistic devotion, calling priests, religious, and laypeople—especially the young—to become ‘living tabernacles.’ Jesus urged them to carry Him spiritually in their hearts and, when permitted by the Church, tangibly in the Sacred Species, taking His presence to the streets, marketplaces, and impoverished neighborhoods to bless all people. This divine call, deeply intertwined with the Salesian mission, invites us to make the Holy Mass a transformative encounter, where we not only receive Christ but become signs and bearers of His love to all.

The Holy Mass is the sacred moment where we unite ourselves with the body and blood of Christ, but Vera’s messages emphasize that participation is only the beginning. Jesus desires that we become living tabernacles, vessels of His presence, carrying Him into every corner of society. The Salesians, chosen to lead this ‘Work of Love,’ are tasked with preparing souls to live Eucharistically, radiating Christ’s grace to soften hardened hearts and bring hope to those far from Him. By embracing this vocation, we fulfill Christ’s plea: “Take Me with you!” Incorporating TAPPING into Holy Mass enables us to be transformed into living tabernacles. It prepares us to be broken, shared and consumed by our brothers and sisters so that we not only receive the Eucharistic but also become Eucharist walking boldly as bearers of God’s love, mercy, and presence amidst humanity.

The Holy Mass is the pinnacle of Christian worship, where we encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—His Body and Blood. By integrating the spiritual practice of TAPPING—Thanksgiving, Adoration, Pardon, Praise, Intercession, New Life, and Good Action—into the Holy Mass, we can deepen our participation and transform it into a profoundly divine experience. Inspired by the fervor of Mary Magdalene, who ran to Jesus’ tomb with an eager heart, this approach leads us to prepare intentionally. It calls us to surrender fully. We learn to live out the Mass through brokenness and self-offering. Below, we explore how to attend Holy Mass in this divine way, weaving TAPPING into each part of the Liturgy for a profound Eucharistic experience.

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Preparing for Holy Mass: Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving and Forgiveness

The journey begins even before the Sign of the Cross. Take 5 to 10 minutes of silence to enter God’s presence. Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and repeat a Bible verse like, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever” (Ps 107:1). Reflect on God’s blessings from the previous day or week—moments of grace, forgiveness, or answered prayers. Consciously bring these to mind, saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” and allow gratitude to soften your heart.

Before the HolyMass begins, forgive everyone and ask forgiveness in your heart. “If you remember that your brother or sister has something against you… first be reconciled” (Mt 5:23–24). By making peace before entering the liturgy, your offering becomes pure.

Visualize Mary Magdalene, her heart ablaze with devotion, hastening through the dawn’s tender light to the tomb of her beloved Lord (Jn 20:1). Her deep yearning to be near Him, to honour His sacred body, urges her to rise early, each step a fervent prayer of love. Let this same longing fill your heart as you approach the Holy Eucharist each morning at Mass, where you encounter the living Body of Christ. With your heart wide open, surrender your entire self—your eyes, ears, body, thoughts, plans, emotions, struggles, and sins. Place them spiritually into the chalice and ciborium, the sacred vessels that hold Jesus Himself. As you whisper, “Lord, I surrender all,” you ready your soul for transformation, longing to embrace the altar where Christ’s sacrifice is made present, just as the priest kisses it with tender devotion.

From beneath the Eucharistic altar flows a river of grace, as Ezekiel saw waters streaming from the temple, bringing life to all they touch (Ezek 47:1–12). The Eucharistic table is the fount of all graces, where Christ’s sacrifice pours out mercy, healing, and love to every corner of your life. St. John Chrysostom reminds you, “The Eucharist is a fountain of life, flowing with spiritual blessings.” These living waters stream in all directions, nourishing your family, your ministry, your studies, and every endeavor you undertake. When you approach this sacred table with hope and love, you are bathed in grace that strengthens you for every challenge and joy. Come to the Eucharistic celebration with a burning desire to drink deeply from this source, trusting that Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, offers you abundant life to sustain every aspect of your journey.

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Introductory Rites: Surrendering into the Chalice and Ciborium

As the priest begins the Mass with the Sign of the Cross, seal yourself in the surrender you’ve already begun. When the Penitential Act is prayed—“I confess to Almighty God…”—complete your surrender. Bring to mind specific areas of sin or weakness. Offer them into the chalice: “Lord, I place my pride, my jealousy, my distraction, into your hands.”

As the Gloria is sung (when prescribed), join in praising God with the angels. Then comes the opening prayers, the collect which contains a liturgical intention. Listen attentively and immediately make the intention your own. Say in your heart, “Lord, I make this my intention for this Holy Mass,” and place it spiritually in the chalice or paten.

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Liturgy of the Word: Listening and Offering Intentions

The Liturgy of the Word is where Jesus comes as the Word made flesh (Jn 1:14). As you hear the First Reading, Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel, and Homily, pay keen attention to what the Lord is speaking to you today. When a particular word, phrase, or insight stirs your heart, pause internally and say, “Lord, I want to learn this today. I want to be like You.” Make that point your intention and place it into the chalice or paten.

Even if the homily seems plain, remember: “My word… shall not return to me empty” (Is 55:11). Receive every word with faith, letting it shape your spirit.

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The Offertory: Placing Everything on the Altar

As the bread and wine are brought forward, imagine yourself being placed on the altar: your body, your struggles, your inner wounds, your joys. Place your whole being with the gifts.

When the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God,” know that this is a communal offering. With the saints and angels, say in your heart: “Lord, receive me.”

Now the priest prays the Prayer over the Offerings. Listen to the words carefully. Make that prayer your own by saying, “Lord, I unite myself with this intention.” Place that intention also into the chalice or ciborium.

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Holy, Holy, Holy: Worshiping with the Heavenly Hosts

Just before the Eucharistic Prayer, you sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” with the angels and saints. See yourself standing with Mother Mary, your beloved saints, angels, and your guardian angels—singing Hosanna with them in adoration. Let this moment lift your heart into heaven.

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The Eucharistic Prayer: Becoming One with Christ

As the priest invokes the Holy Spirit over the bread and wine, imagine Jesus stretching out His hands over you. Say, “Come, Holy Spirit, transform me.”

The Consecration is the most important moment of the Eucharist. Here, the bread and wine are truly transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. At the same time, you are being spiritually merged into His Body and Blood. This is the climax of the TAPPING way—your complete union with Christ in His self-giving sacrifice. See your physical body and spiritual life being taken up into Him.

You are not just witnessing the miracle of transubstantiation—you are participating in it by becoming one with Jesus. This moment prepares you for the next: to be offered to the Father with and through Christ.

After the Consecration, the priest prays the intercessory prayers of the Church. As he does, unite yourself with those intentions. Silently say, “Lord, I make these intentions my own.” Add your own personal prayer and name one or two people you wish to pray for at this Holy Mass. Place them spiritually into the chalice and ciborium, along with your eyes, ears, tongue, hands, your day, and every detail of your life. Get yourself ready to be offered to the Father through Jesus.

When the priest prays “Through Him, with Him, and in Him,” see Jesus lifting the Host and chalice to the Father. Visualize your body, mind, and spirit being lifted too. Say, “Lord, take me and offer me to the Father.” This offering demands preparation: strive to make your daily activities a worthy gift by doing your best in all you undertake, whether in work, relationships, or personal growth. Cain’s mistake was not failing to offer a sacrifice. His error was that his offering was not the best he could give. Like Abel, who offered his best to God, let your life and ministry be carried out with lot of love and effort so that they can be offered to the Father with the Body and Blood of Christ. We should be careful not to offer an unprepared or hall-hearted ottering like that of Cain’s. It falls short of the love and reverence due to the Father.

When the priest prays “Through Him, with Him, and in Him,” see Jesus lifting the Host and chalice to the Father. Visualize your body, mind, and spirit being lifted too. Say, “Lord, take me and offer me to the Father.” Yet, this offering demands preparation: strive to make your daily activities a worthy gift by doing your best in all you undertake, whether in work, relationships, or personal growth. Like Abel, who offered his best to God, let your life reflect intentional effort and devotion. Do not risk an unprepared or half-hearted offering like that of Cain’s. It falls short of the love and reverence due to the Father.

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The Our Father: Letting God’s Kingdom Reign in You

When praying “Our Father,” remember you are part of God’s family. Every one we interact with is our brother or sister. Let His kingdom come within you—the dust of the earth (Gen 2:7). Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Express your desire to live a righteous life and to be peaceful with everyone and to be a reason for joy in the life of others.

Examine your heart again. If any unforgiveness remains, say, “Jesus, through your blood, I forgive.” Only then can you offer a worthy sacrifice.

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The Sign of Peace: Receiving and Sharing Christ’s Peace

When the priest says, “The peace of the Lord be with you,” breathe deeply. Picture Jesus breathing peace on the apostles (Jn 20:22). Let His peace fill your soul. Pray, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace.”

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The Lamb of God: Embracing Brokenness

As the Sacred Host is broken, whisper in your heart, “Jesus, I too want to be broken today. Break me, Oh Lord, to make me Yours.”

Psalm 51 reveals the heart of true sacrifice: “For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps 51:16–17). This teaches us that God seeks not mere external offerings, but the internal surrender of a heart broken open by humility and repentance. As the Host is broken, let your heart break open too—releasing pride, self-reliance, or resistance to God’s will. This brokenness makes your sacrifice pleasing to God, transforming your offering into one that is acceptable because it is united with Christ’s own brokenness on the Cross.

Without brokenness, your Holy Mass is sacramentally valid but spiritually unfinished. Brokenness is not about punishment—it is about becoming usable. Bread cannot be used if it cannot be broken. Jesus was broken and shared. Your transformation in the Eucharist becomes a reality when you too are willing to be broken and shared.

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Holy Communion: Welcoming Christ into Your Being

Before receiving Communion, prepare your heart as a throne for Jesus, adorned with the good works and sacrifices of the past day. When you say, “Lord, I am not worthy…,” mean it like Mary Magdalene. Receive Communion with longing and reverence. As you receive Him, see your soul, body, and spirit merging with His. Afterward, thank and praise Jesus. Pray in tongues if you are able to; if not, express your love in simple words: “Thank you, Jesus. Praise you, Jesus.” Let His presence burn in you. Ask Him to speak to your heart.

In the foundational and awakened stages, it’s important to use your imagination to visualize Jesus seated in your heart. As you progress from the awakened to the contemplative stage, this will no longer be mere imagination. You will begin to feel the person of Christ being merged with your very being. The effect of this union will manifest in your daily activities, where you will notice Christ acting in and through you.

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After Communion: Interceding and Listening

This is the moment for praise and intercession. Pray for everyone and everything you placed in the chalice. Ask God to bless them. Stay a few minutes in silence, listening for divine direction. If God inspires an action or reminder, make a note afterward.

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Concluding Rites: Beginning the Real Offering

When the priest gives the final blessing, realize that you are not merely bowing your head to receive it passively. This blessing is the commissioning moment. You are being sent out—like bread broken for the world. Christ has consumed you, and now He sends you to be consumed by others. Receive the blessing as strength and authority to live the Mass.

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Receiving the Final Blessing: A Call to Brokenness

As you approach the final blessing, recognize that this is not just a ritual closure. It is a sacred moment of commissioning—where Christ sends you into the world, carrying His presence within you. As the priest raises his hand to bless, bow your head not passively, but actively surrendering. Say silently in your heart: “Lord, I want to be broken.”

Without embracing your brokenness, Christ cannot grow within you. Just as bread must be broken to be shared and nourish others, your own breaking allows you to be offered for God’s purpose. If the bread remains whole, it cannot feed; if you resist brokenness, you cannot fully give yourselves to others. The final blessing at Holy Mass is not only for protection but a divine empowerment, equipping you with courage to embrace every challenge, disruption, or sacrifice the day may hold.

Ask Jesus for the grace to be broken, so that you may be consumed. Whether it’s giving your time, energy, rest, or even your joy to someone who needs it—this is where the Mass is completed. The extent to which you are willing to be broken is the extent to which Christ can consume you, and you can then be consumed by others in love.

The day is your altar. Now begins the TAPPING steps of “New Life” and “Good Action.”

Like Jesus, you must now be broken and consumed. Brokenness allows others to consume your time, energy, rest, or comfort. Maybe someone needs a listening ear, or help with work, or your attention at the cost of your leisure. If you’re not broken, you will resist being consumed. To the extent you allow yourself to be broken, you allow the Lord to consume you—and make you food for others.

In the evening, return to the Lord in prayer. Surrender the moments you failed to be broken. Ask for grace to go deeper tomorrow. The more broken you are, the more united you will be with Christ in the  Holy Mass.

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn 12:24)

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Conclusion: Becoming a Living Sacrifice

The Mass doesn’t end at the dismissal. It continues in your daily life. Each act of love, each sacrifice, each moment of brokenness completes what began on the altar. “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain” (Phil 1:21).

Like Mary Magdalene, run eagerly to the Lord. Place all in the chalice. Merge with His Body and Blood. Then go forth to be broken and consumed—for this is true worship. Let your life become a continuous celebration of the Holy Eucharist that you may become EUCHARIST, broken and shared.