THE EUCHARIST

John Paul Speaks

Notable quotations from Pope John Paul II and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

"FULLY AWARE"

Faith demands that we approach the Eucharist fully aware that we are approaching Christ Himself. (16)

"A MYSTERY OF PRESENCE"

The Eucharist is a mystery of presence, the perfect fulfillment of Jesus' promise to remain with us until the end of the world. (16)

"A GREAT MYSTERY!"

The Eucharist is a great mystery! And it is one which above all must be well celebrated. Holy Mass needs to be set at the center of the Christian life and celebrated in a dignified manner by every community. (17)

"CHRIST'S REAL PRESENCE"

There is a particular need to cultivate a lively awareness of Christ's real presence, both in the celebration of Mass and in the worship of the Eucharist outside Mass. (18)

"MAGNETIC POLE"

The presence of Jesus in the tabernacle must be a kind of magnetic pole attracting an ever greater number of souls enamoured of Him, ready to wait patiently to hear His voice... (18)

"AN URGENT SUMMONS"

The encounter with Christ, constantly intensified and deepened in the Eucharist, issues in the Church and in every Christian an urgent summons to testimony and evangelization. (24)

"A GREAT SCHOOL OF PEACE"

More than ever, our troubled world ... demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace, forming men and women who ... can become promoters of dialogue and communion. (27)

"MORE FORCEFUL WITNESS"

In this Year of the Eucharist Christians ought to be committed to bearing more forceful witness to God's presence in the world. We should not be afraid to speak about God and to bear proud witness to our faith. (26)

"COMMUNION, PEACE AND SOLIDARITY"

The Christian who takes part in the Eucharist learns to become a promoter of communion, peace and solidarity in every situation. (27)

A CHALLENGE TO PRIESTS

Dear priests, ... be challenged by the grace of this special Year; celebrate Holy Mass each day with the same joy and fervor with which you celebrated your first Mass , and willingly spend time in prayer before the tabernacle. (30)

(Source: Apostolic Letter, Mane Nobiscum Domine, dated 10/7/04)