[3]As in previous encyclicals, Leo continues his call for social renewal, which source is found in the Holy Eucharist.

[1] Having extolled the many benefits of the Eucharist, Leo then encourages frequent reception of same, a matter that was the subject of some debate at the time.

[1] Away then with the widespread but most mischievous error of those who give it as their opinion that the reception of the Eucharist is in a manner reserved for those ... who rid themselves of the cares of the world in order to find rest in some kind of professedly religious life.

For this gift, than which nothing can be more excellent or more conducive to salvation, is offered to all those, whatever their office or dignity may be, ...."[4]Leo's successor, Pope Pius X, reiterated this in his 1905 motu proprio Sacra Tridentina Synodus, and the 1910 Quam singulari, which established the "age of reason" (about seven years of age) as the threshold for children to be admitted to the sacrament.

Leo XIII's encyclical was cited by Popes Pius XII and Paul VI in their own teaching documents, respectively Mediator Dei and Mysterium fidei.