The Holy Father Declares "Year of the Eucharist"

Vatican, Jun. 10 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul on Thursday announced that October 2004 to October 2005 would be a special Year of the Eucharist. The announcement came as he presided over the Mass of Corpus Christi in the square of the Basilica of St. John Lateran before leading the Eucharistic procession toward the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

"I am happy to announce a special year of the Eucharist," the Pope told the congregation during his homily, which he read himself in its entirety. "It will begin with the World Eucharist Congress, from October 10 to 17, 2004, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will end with the next ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, from October 2 to 29, 2005, at the Vatican." The synod will have as it is subject, "The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church."

Article courtesy of CWNews.com.

This is so encouraging having had the recent encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia and hearing Archbishop Burke's talk on the Holy Father's encyclical just over two months ago. This upcoming event is further prepared by the latest Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum as well as the recently discussed Lineamenta on the Holy Eucharist. All of this, despite the rampant unbelief in and disregard for the Holy Eucharist, should give us hope for better days to come as the continued effort is made to catechize the faithful on the importance and necessity of the Blessed Sacrament.