Transubstantiation

What is the doctrine of transubstantiation?

The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation holds that when the bread and wine are consecrated during the Mass, their entire substance is changed into the body and blood of Christ; however, the appearance (that is, the shape, color, taste, and chemical properties) of bread and wine remains.

These consecrated elements are jointly called the Eucharist, although typically, when the term Eucharist is used, it refers to the host (which Catholics believe is the body of Christ).

Once transubstantiation occurs, the consecrated elements remain the body and blood of Christ even after Mass has ended, for as long as they maintain the appearance of bread and wine.