Pope’s talk to Brazilian Bishops

(April 15, 2010) The permanent center and source of Christian life is in the Eucharist. It is the heart and summit of the Church’s evangelizing mission, Pope Benedict XVI told the Bishops of Brazil’s Northern Region on Thursday, at the conclusion of their ad limina visit to Rome. This visit is taken every five years by bishops to report on their dioceses. The Pope said the primary and essential attitude of the faithful Christian, who participates in the liturgical celebration is not to do, but listen, open up and receive. But receiving, does not mean to be passive and indifferent, but to cooperate and participate in the Eucharistic celebration. The Pope warned that in the name of inculturation, rites borrowed from other religions have been introduced in the celebration of the Holy Mass, stripping it, of it’s real sacrificial meaning.
The Pope said the Eucharistic mystery is a great gift. The Church can celebrate and adore the mystery of Christ in the Eucharist, precisely because Christ first gave himself to her in the sacrifice of the Cross. The Pope told the Brazilian bishops that the Church lives from this presence and seeks to expand this presence to the world. Pope Benedict stressed that Jesus is the Eucharist. He is truly the heart of Brazil, and from Him, comes the strength for all Brazilian men and women to recognize themselves as brothers and sisters, and help each other as members of Christ’s Church.