VATICAN - On the first Sunday of Advent the Pope encourages devotion to the Eucharist: “Today marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, during which we will contemplate with special devotion the face of Christ present in the Eucharist ”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Today marks the beginning of a new liturgical year, during which we will contemplate with special devotion the face of Christ present in the Eucharist. Jesus, the incarnate Word, who died and is risen, is the centre of history. In Him the Church adores and welcomes the ultimate and unifying meaning of all the mysteries of faith: the love of God the giver of life.” This was part of Pope John Paul II’s Angelus reflection on Sunday 28 November, at the beginning of the new liturgical year which will be marked by the celebration of the Year of the Eucharist.
The Pope also mentioned that the Church in Italy is preparing for its 24th National Eucharistic Congress in Bari 21 to 29 May 2005, on the theme "We cannot live without Sunday", and he said: “I invite the ecclesial community in Italy to prepare with great care for this spiritual appointment rediscovering ‘with new vigour the significance of Sunday: its mystery, the value of its celebration, its significance for Christian and human life’ (Lett. ap. Dies Domini, 3)”.
Lastly the Pope asked the Blessed Virgin Mary, Woman of the Eucharist and Our Lady of Advent, to help everyone “welcome with joy Christ who comes and to celebrate worthily his sacramental presence in the Eucharistic Mystery”.
After the Angelus prayer the Pope greeted a few special groups in St Peter’s Square including visitors from Urkaine: “to whom I assure my prayers for peace in their country”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 29/11/2004 - Righe 19; Parole 255)