We cannot keep Christ to ourselves

Be missionaries of Christ’s love: is Pope Francis’ invitation to the faithful taking part in the National Eucharistic Congress taking place in Madagascar from 23 to 25 August. In the opening ceremony on 23 August, the Pope addressed his message to Bishop Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, President of the Episcopal Conference, emphasising that this encounter is aimed to bring the sons and daughters back to “the essential, helping them to rediscover the meaning of Eucharistic Adoration and the desire to spend time with Christ”, and that it contributes to making them grow as Christians, especially as they prepare for the second session of the Synod on Synodality.

“May this occasion help you rediscover the importance of meeting, praying, and engaging with others and for others in the footsteps of Jesus in the Eucharist”, he said.

This year in which the “Eucharistic Youth Movement” is celebrating its centenary, the Holy Father stressed that nowadays, “faith in the Lord’s real presence is a great challenge”, and he invited the members to help others to experience Jesus in the Eucharist and to help them make their own lives an offering to God, united to that of Jesus on the altar, so that He may be better known, loved and served.

The Pope expressed his hope that the Congress would help participants “foster feelings of charity and solidarity towards everyone, and especially towards those in difficulty, for whom the path of life becomes more difficult every day”. To the many people “who are discouraged, pessimistic and cynical about the future, as if nothing could possibly bring them happiness” (Spes non confundit, 9 May 2024) — “bring the Lord’s hope to them, be witnesses of His compassion and merciful love”. With this, the Pope concluded his message, entrusting everyone to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary, and expressing his hope that they may “deepen their relationship with Christ every day.”