Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “On this 30th Sunday in ordinary time... the Year of the Eucharist and the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, dedicated precisely to the mystery of the Eucharist in the Church’s life and mission, came to a close, and five new Saints were proclaimed...Moreover today is World Mission Sunday, an annual recurrence to foster greater impulse for mission in the ecclesial Community.” Pope Benedict XVI said this during the solemn Mass presided in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 23 October. “Today’s liturgy - the Holy Father said - calls us to contemplate the Eucharist as the source of holiness and spiritual nourishment for our mission in the world: this supreme "gift and mystery" reveals and communicates the fullness of God’s love”.
Reflecting on the Gospel of the day the Pope said “the twofold commandment to love God and neighbour holds within it two aspects of the same dynamism of heart and life … in the Eucharist we contemplate the Sacrament of this living synthesis of the law: in himself Christ offers us the full realisation of love of God and love for brothers and sisters.” Speaking of conversion the “start of the Christian’s striving for holiness” the Pope said: “The saint is one who is so fascinated by the beauty of God and his perfect truth that it gradually transforms him. For this beauty and truth the saint is ready to renounce everything even himself. Sufficient for him is God’s love which he experiences in humble and disinterested service of others, particularly those unable to reciprocate. How providential in this prospective is the fact that today the Church holds up as examples for all her members five new Saints who, nourished by Christ the living Bread, converted to love and made it the model for their whole life!”
The Pope went on to speak briefly of the new saints: the days of Saint Józef Bilczewski were lived to the rhythm of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, the rosary and other devotions. “A long period was devoted to Eucharistic adoration”. Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski was known “for his devotion founded on the celebration and adoration of the Eucharist. Living the offering of Christ moved him to approach the sick, the poor and the needy.” Saint Alberto Hurtado made his life programme the commandment of love left by Jesus; “formation in the Society of Jesus, consolidated by prayer and adoration of the Eucharist, led him to let himself be won by Christ, being an authentic contemplative in action”. Daily Mass and frequent adoration of the Sacrament of the Altar were the soul of the priesthood of Saint Gaetano Catanoso “dedicated to preaching, catechesis and the ministry of Confession, to the poor, the sick, and the care of priestly vocations”. Saint Felice da Nicosia, humble Capuchin Friar, austere and penitent, “was gradually shaped and transformed by God’s love, lived and actualised in love for neighbour … he teaches us to understand the meaning of the family and service of others.”
The Pope sent brotherly greetings to the Bishops of the Church in China on behalf of all the Bishops present: “With deep sadness we felt the absence of their representatives. Nevertheless I wish to assure all the Chinese Bishops that in prayer we are close to them, their priests and the faithful. The arduous path of the community entrusted to their pastoral care is known to our hearts: it cannot fail to bear fruit because it is participation in the paschal Mystery for the glory of God.”
In the last part of his homily the Pope spoke of the work of the Synod which he recalled had reflected on the principle aspects of the Eucharistic mystery: “Contemplation of the Eucharist should prompt the members of the Church, first of all priests, the ministers of the Eucharist, to reaffirm commitment of fidelity. On the mystery of the Eucharist, celebrated and adored, is founded the celibacy which priests receive as a precious gift and sign of undivided love for God and neighbour. Also for the laity Eucharistic spirituality must be the inner power of all activity and no dichotomy is admissible between faith and life in their mission of Christian animation of the world”.
At the end of the Year of the Eucharist, the Holy Father encouraged those present to thank God for the many gifts Church has received in this period and said, like the disciples at Emmaus after their meeting with the Risen Lord: “we too must resume our journey animated by deep desire to bear witness to this love which offers hope to the world”.
In this Eucharistic setting Mission Sunday finds its rightful place: “Still today, seeing the crowds Christ tells his disciples: "You give them to eat" (Mt 14,16) and in his name missionaries proclaim and witness to the Gospel, at times even with the sacrifice of their lives. Dear friends, from the Eucharist we must all make a new start.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2005, righe 56, parole 803)
