AMERICA/BRAZIL - At the request of the Bishops of Brazil Pope Benedict XVI prolongs Year of the Eucharist in Brazil until the 15th National Eucharistic Congress in May 2006

Brasilia (Fides Service) - The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil Cardinal Agnelo Geraldo Majella archbishop of Sao Salvador da Bahia announced that Pope Benedict XVI has granted a request made by the Bishops after their 43rd assembly 9 to 17 August 2005 in Itaici, to extend the Year of the Eucharist in Brazil until 21 May 2006, the closing date of the 15th National Eucharistic Congress to be held 18 to 21 May in Florianopolis on the theme “He is with us” and the slogan “Come and See”. Until 21 May 2006 the faithful may also gain the plenary indulgence granted on the occasion of the Year of the Eucharist. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2005, righe 9, parole 126)