VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 2004 (VIS) - At the noon Angelus, recited with the faithful who had gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul's thoughts turned to the International Eucharistic Congress, which will conclude today in Guadalajara, Mexico, and to the 26th anniversary of his pontificate which he celebrated yesterday.
The Pope pointed out that "for one week the Eucharist has been celebrated and adored as the 'light and life of the new millennium'. 'Light' because the presence of Christ, Light of the world, shines forth in the Eucharistic mystery. 'Life' because in the Eucharist Christ has given Himself, the Bread of life, to us."
He noted that in the afternoon he would celebrate Mass in St. Peter's, concomitantly with the closing of the congress in Mexico and "in spiritual union" with all participants. "I will thus solemnly start the Year of the Eucharist which will last until October 2005."
"In the wake of Vatican Council II and the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, the Year of the Eucharist should be a strong time of encountering Christ, present in this sacrament of His Body and His Blood. In this mystery He brings about sacramentally His paschal sacrifice that redeemed mankind from the slavery of sin and established the divine Kingdom of love, justice and peace."
Following the Angelus prayer, John Paul II said: "I wish to express great gratitude to everyone who, on the anniversary of my election to the Chair of Peter, expressed their best wishes and assured me of their prayers. While I ask the Lord to comfort each person with the abundance of His gifts, I entrust myself to Him and I ask, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, for His constant help for the fruitful exercise of my ministry in the Church."
ANG/EUCHARIST:ANNIVERSARY/... VIS 20041018 (310)
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