VATICAN - Benedict XVI at the Angelus: “In life today, often noisy and distracting, it is more than ever important to rediscover the ability for inner silence and recollection ” - Appeal for all hostages, including Catholic priests, in various parts of the world

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The supreme mystery of the Christian faith, the real presence of the Risen Christ in the Eucharist was the subject of the brief address given by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 10 June, before leading the recitation of the midday Angelus Prayer with the people gathered in St Peter's Square. For Catholics in many countries of the world including Italy, Sunday was the annual Feast of Corpus Christi (postponed from Thursday to avoid a work-day holiday). The Holy Father said “let us contemplate the supreme mystery of our faith: the most Holy Eucharist, the real presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the altar”. The Pope cited the post synodal apostolic exhortation Sacramentum caritatis to underline the “intrinsic bond” which exists between the celebration and adoration of the Eucharist: “Holy Mass is in fact the Church's greatest act of adoration… adoration outside Holy Mass prolongs and intensifies what comes about during the liturgical celebration and renders possible an authentic and profound reception of Christ.”
In these circumstances the Holy Father encouraged the bishops, the clergy and all the faithful to practice eucharistic adoration, expressing his appreciation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and associations and confraternities dedicated to adoration in a special way: “they remind us of the centrality of Christ in our personal and ecclesial life”. Pope Benedict XVI said he was happy that “many young people are discovering the beauty of adoration both as individuals and as a community”, and he asked priests to encourage youth groups and lead them “so that community forms of adoration are always appropriate and dignified, with suitable periods of silence and listening to the Word of God”. He concluded: “In life today, often noisy and distracting, it is more than ever important to rediscover the ability for inner silence and recollection: Eucharistic adoration allows one to do this not only as "I", but also in the company of a "Thou" full of love Jesus Christ, "God with us!".” The Pope asked the Blessed Virgin Mary, Woman of the Eucharist, to intercede that the whole Church may grow in faith in the Eucharistic mystery, in joy of taking part in Holy Mass, especially Sunday Mass, and in impulse to bear witness to the immense charity of Christ.
After the Angelus prayer, Benedict XVI appealed for the liberation of hostages: “Sad to say I receive many requests to intervene on behalf of people, including Catholic priests, taken hostage for different reasons in various parts of the world. I carry all these people in my heart and remember them in my prayers particularly the sad case of Colombia. I make a heartfelt appeal to those who carry out these terrible actions to realise the evil they have committed and to restore to the affection of their loved ones, those held captive. I entrust the victims to the maternal protection of Most Holy Mary, mother of all mankind.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 11/6/2007; righe 31, parole 449)