Vatican
City, 3 June 2013
(VIS) – For the Solemnity of Corpus Christi yesterday, at 5:00 in
the afternoon in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father presided over
Eucharistic Adoration, an initiative of the Year of Faith inviting
the faithful of all the dioceses of the world to unite spiritually.
It
was a historic event. For the first time in the history of the Church
all the cathedrals around the world where synchronized to the time in
Rome and, for an hour, were in communion with the Pope in Eucharistic
Adoration, under the theme of “One Lord, One Faith”. The
initiative involved not only the world's cathedrals, but also
parishes, religious congregations—mainly cloistered monasteries—and
lay associations around the globe.
The
Sistine Chapel Choir accompanied Pope Francis' journey along St.
Peter's central nave where he prayed for the intentions: “For the
Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration
of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her
ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the
world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and
blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that
saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love
to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and
serenity.”
Pope
Francis’ second intention was: “For those around the world who
still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking,
drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are
suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for
help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified
Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left
at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in
economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the
elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience
marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness
give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in
defending human dignity.”
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