The Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, He his really and truly present,  that is the reality.

St. Augustine explains the symbolism:

“ ‘The Body of Christ,’ you are told, and you answer ‘Amen.’ Be members then of the Body of Christ so that your Amen may be true! Why is this mystery accomplished with bread?… Consider that the bread is not made of one grain, but of many. During the time of exorcism [before baptism], you were, so to say, in the mill. When you were baptized you were wetted with water. Then the Holy Spirit came into you like the fire that bakes the dough. Be then what you see and receive what you are.”  (St. Augustine, Sermon 272)