Sydney (Fides Service) - In Australia the 'Eucharist source of mission' is the theme of inspiration for various initiatives in view of the annual feast of Corpus Christi on Thursday 26 May which is particularly intense and solemn in this Year of the Eucharist, announced by John Paul II.
Celebrations will highlight the bond between the Eucharist and Mission also thanks to meditation and reflection on the late Pope’s Message for World Mission Sunday 2005. (His last official message). On the occasion of the Feast the Catholic Mission Service has organised several initiatives to encourage lay people to experience life in mission country and to be more involved in mission ad gentes. For example by spending part of the holiday period at a Catholic mission in East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Fiji Islands, Philippines, Tanzania.
Brisbane diocese offers a Daily Mission Service through lay people in various diocesan commissions who provide formation and assistance to parish communities on themes of mission, prayer and the family.
Dioceses all over Australia are preparing to celebrate Corpus Christi with Mass and the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to honour the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist: “Although some fear a procession may seem somewhat old fashioned it is instead a significant public witness to our faith in Christ” says the Australian Mission Service in a report to Fides. “The Eucharist challenges us to be the Mystical Body of Christ in the world. Our liturgies and our witness to the world should strengthen and support reach other”, the report said.
Among the suggestions offered to the dioceses by the Liturgy Commission of the Australian Bishops, give more space to the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for the adoration of the faithful and special care to enable people who are ill or disabled to take part in the various initiatives: they are the “little ones” Jesus spoke of, those to whom Christ reveals himself and in whom he is present.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2005 righe 26 parole 262)