Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Braga (Fides Service) - To prolong the effects of the Year of the Eucharist which offered an opportunity to grow in awareness and love for this unfathomable Mystery of Faith, the archdiocese of Braga in Portugal has identified ten itineraries to continue this reflection. Each Itinerary proposes a theme explained under different aspects of devotion and celebration of the Eucharist. The theme serves to guide reflection and discussion: “The Eucharist: source and summit of Christian life”; “The truth of Celebration”; “Participation in Communion”; “Worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass”; “Perpetual Adoration in the diocese”; “The Eucharist in Shrines”; “The Eucharist and the family”; “The Eucharist in religious communities”; “The Eucharist, vocation pastoral, seminaries and the priest”.
In a pastoral letter to illustrate the initiative the archdiocese of Braga recalls that the Eucharist is celebrated in the community and for the community for the sanctification and salvation of the whole world. Therefore it is necessary to continue the work of sensitising Christian communities, offering them suitable formation to foster ever more active participation in the celebration of the Eucharist as a sign of community commitment to transforming the world in the light of the Gospel.
It also says that it is good that people receive Holy Communion more frequently than in the past but care must be taken to ensure proper preparation and that receiving the Lord in Communion does not become simply a social action. It stresses the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the need to encourage the faithful to pray and contemplate before the Blessed Sacrament and to organise in parishes regular Hours of Adoration as a school of prayer where the faithful establish a personal relationship with Christ, in prayer of praise, thanksgiving and contemplation.
Parishes are encouraged to keep churches open during the day because “vivifying the prayer of the People of God is an important pastoral service which the diocese should promote as a priority”. Parishes are also encouraged to organise perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also for young people and even children. The family, the domestic Church, is the natural place for children to be introduced to the celebration of the Eucharist and prepares them to live its consequences in personal, family and social life. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 5/11/2005, righe 30, parole 388)
