Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Fides Service) - The Australian Catholic Bishops yesterday issued a program for the celebration of the Year of the Eucharist, focusing on the importance of celebrating Sunday Mass. In a media release issued yesterday it was explained "The program has been designed using the dynamics of small group discussion which could be adapted to a large parish gathering or individuals." The program has prepared by the National Liturgical Commission. It is set in the context of the Sundays of Easter and is linked with a proposal for a period of Eucharistic devotion from Trinity Sunday to Corpus Christi. The media release says, "It is hoped that youth groups, parish groups, families and individuals will use the program. It will also be of much value to those undertaking the RCIA program." “The Australian Bishops have responded to the Holy Father’s invitation and now offer the program, ‘Sunday: Sacrament of Easter’, to the Australian Church as a means of enlivening our celebration of the Eucharist and to encourage devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament,” Bishop Manning said in the introduction.
“The program focuses on the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist as this is the celebration most familiar to us all. “To help us in this program, we are turning to the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter ‘Dies Domini: a guide to keeping Sunday holy’ as a source for reflecting upon our celebration of Sunday. “Beside this study of the Pope’s wisdom in the context of the Gospels of the Sundays of Easter, we would also like to invite you to spend some time in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. “We propose a parish Mission for the week leading up to the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ as an opportunity for you and your parish community to focus your adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.” Bishop Manning said it was hoped that the program would enrich the faith of all who participate in it. The program is available on the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference website (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2005 righe 28 parole 321)
