(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.