53rd International Eucharistic Congress: “Fraternity Heals the World”

The 53rd International Eucharistic Congress was held in Quito, Ecuador from September 8 to 15, with ​the theme of “Fraternity Heals the⁣ World”.‌ Pope Francis delivered ⁣a⁤ video message to the Congress, emphasizing that only through deep communion with⁣ the Eucharist can​ we resist evil and build ⁢a more just and humane world.

One Body, One ⁤Bread

The Pope began by saying: “What we learn from the Most Holy Eucharist is always amazing.‌ We⁢ can quote the words of the Psalm: ‘If I could count to‍ the end, I am still with you’ (cf. Ps 139:18), You are present in the tabernacle.”

The Pope explained: “The early Fathers of the Church have told us that the symbol of the bread has ignited the desire for brotherhood ⁤in the people of God, because just as a grain of wheat cannot be kneaded alone into dough, so too we must all ‌work together, For “although we are many,‍ we are one body and one bread” (cf.⁢ Homilies of St. Augustine 227). In this way we grow as brothers and together in the Church, united ‌by the water of baptism, and purified by the fire of the ⁣Holy Spirit (cf. ibid.). It is a profound brotherhood that arises from union with God, being ground like wheat to become bread and ​the members of Christ. ⁢This ‌full form‌ participates in⁢ the Eucharist and in⁤ the assembly of the Saints (cf. St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans 4:1).

Sister Angela’s Example

The Pope then mentioned a remarkable ⁤example of⁢ brotherhood, the German nun Angela Autsh who died in the Auschwitz concentration camp. The ⁢Pope said:‍ “Before she was arrested, the evil in the world had begun to approach, and she invited those‌ younger people who had received Holy Communion for the first time, ⁢those relatives who ​were a little far away from the faith, and those who were still devout, through some simple to⁢ resist this evil by taking Communion as⁤ close as possible to the altar, even in certain dangerous circumstances.”

Serve and Heal the World

Therefore, the Pope encouraged: “If one member suffers, the whole body suffers⁢ with⁢ it, just like Jesus who takes up the suffering of ⁢the world with⁤ the aim of healing it.” the Pope emphasized that through the Eucharist “ We can regain this deep brotherhood with⁣ God and with‍ each other, and only in this communion can we serve the world and heal it.”

Source:‌ Vatican News