Pope reflects on the Eucharist and hope
September 29, 2014
The Eucharist is a source of hope for the world’s transformation, Pope Francis told members of the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses in a September 27 audience.
The Pontiff thanked the pontifical committee for its work in preparing for the next International Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in the Philippines in January 2016. The congress’s theme is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).
“Today there is a lack of hope in the world,” and “humanity needs to hear the message of our hope in Jesus Christ,” the Pope said. “The 51st International Eucharistic Congress offers the opportunity to experience and understand the Eucharist as a transforming encounter with the Lord in his word and in his sacrifice of love, so that all may have life, and life in abundance.”
Transformed by the Eucharist, Christians are called to share the life they have received with others, “bringing hope, pardon, healing, and love to those in need, particularly the poor, the dispossessed, and the oppressed,” Pope Francis added.
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Further information:
- Udienza ai partecipanti alla Plenaria del Pontificio Comitato per i Congressi Eucaristici Internazionali (Holy See Press Office)
- Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses
- International Eucharistic Congress 2016
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Posted by: unum -
Sep. 30, 2014 6:02 AM ET USA
Father, we pray that all Catholics "experience and understand the Eucharist as a transforming encounter with the Lord". The Pope's words recognize the centrality of the greatest sacrament, the Eucharist, to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for all Catholics. And, loumiamo's wonderful idea would bring that teaching home in the most effective way possible, in the Creed that we recite at each Mass. This single change could be a true Emmaus moment for the whole Church.
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Posted by: -
Sep. 29, 2014 10:16 AM ET USA
And isn't it about time to add the Eucharist to the Creed? JP2 added the Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary. Would be nice to have the central, prime focus of Catholic worship codified in the Creed.
