EUCHARISTIC CRUSADE. - A religious association, established and promoted by the Apostleship of Prayer, of which it is a section. Outlined by Fr A. Bessières (1910–13) and founded at Toulouse in 1915, it rapidly began to spread throughout the world. In Italy it began to be propagated from 1921. In 1932, when Pius XI, by apostolic letter of 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 programme and spirit are summed up in the formula: “Prayer, Eucharist, Sacrifice, Apostolate.”
At first it recruited only boys and girls; more recently, especially abroad (France, Belgium, Canada, England), it has also introduced with great success sections for young people and adults (Cadets and Female Cadets, Crusaders, Knights, etc.). The E. C. is supported by its own general publications and by special bulletins for each section: e.g., Hostia (Toulouse) for leaders; Croisé, Chevaliers du Christ; Cadettes du Christ; Ma jeunesse au Christ (there, for the various sections). In Italy there is Il crociato della Eucaristia (Rome). Organized on the model of the Apostolato della preghiera, the E. C. does not shrink from any form of apostolate required by changing circumstances of time and milieu.