EUCHARISTIC CRUSADE. – A religious association, born and promoted by the Apostleship of Prayer, of which it is a section. Outlined by Fr. A. Bessières (1910–13) and founded in Toulouse in 1915, it rapidly spread throughout the world. In Italy it began to propagate from 1921. In 1932, when Pius XI, by an apostolic letter dated 6 Aug. (Acta Romana S. I., 7 [1932–33], pp. 58–60), granted it the honorary title of “Primary,” it numbered 2,500,000 members.
Its program and spirit are summed up in the formula: “Prayer, Eucharist, Sacrifice, Apostle.”
Initially it recruited only boys and girls; more recently, especially abroad (France, Belgium, Canada, England), it has fruitfully introduced sections for young people and adults (Cadets and Cadettes, Crusaders, Knights, etc.). The Eucharistic Crusade is supported by its own general publications and by special bulletins for each section: e.g., *Hostia* (Toulouse) for leaders; *Cristi*, *Chevaliers du Christ*, *Cadettes du Christ*, *Ma jeunesse au Christ* (there for the various sections). In Italy there is the *Crociato dell’Eucaristia* (Rome). Organized on the model of the Apostleship of Prayer, the Eucharistic Crusade does not shrink from any form of apostolate suited to the changing circumstances of time and place.