Bishop Adaji: Africa has a special affinity for Eucharist

(Vatican Radio) The people of Africa have a special affinity for the Eucharist, which is easily adaptable to African culture.

That was the message of Bishop Anthony Adaji, MSP, of Idah, Nigeria, who is participating in the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) taking place in Cebu, Philippines.

“In Africa, the Eucharistic is a meal of communion … that brings people together, that we share together,” – Bishop Adaji told Vatican Radio –  “So in Africa, culturally, we are a people that live together, that share together.”

Listen to the interview by Seàn-Patrick Lovett with Bishop Anthony Adaji:

Bishop Adaji is one of several African participants at the IEC, and said the participation of bishops at the event is important.

“The Eucharistic is the source of our life and, as the bishop, our life revolves around the Eucharist, and we teach about Eucharist…and we try to live the life of the Eucharist,” he said.

Bishop Adaji said African society is communal, and even non-Christians are attracted the message of the Eucharist.

“When the Eucharistic theology is introduced and explained to our people, they can easily understand what you are talking about, because it is a meal of fraternity, a meal of love, a meal that brings people together, and helps them to live together,” he said.