Benedict XVI Thanks God for Emmanuel Community

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 3, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A genuinely Eucharistic life is a missionary life, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope affirmed this today when he received in audience members of the Emmanuel Community, marking the 20th anniversary of the death of their founder, Servant of God Pierre Goursat.

The community includes families, single people, priests and consecrated lay people. Four bishops have been appointed from priests of the Emmanuel Community. The founder's cause of beatification was introduced last year.

In the coming months, the community will mark its 40th anniversary of foundation, and 20th anniversary of the recognition of its statutes by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. 

"With you I thank God for this work," the Holy Father told them.

Thirsty to proclaim God's Word

Benedict XVI reflected on the charism of the group, noting its emphasis on Eucharistic adoration.

Citing the statues, he observed: "From this adoration, compassion is born for all men, and from this compassion the thirst is born to evangelize. 

"In keeping with the spirit of your own charism, I encourage you therefore to deepen your spiritual life giving an essential place to your personal encounter with Christ, the Emmanuel, God-with-us, so that you will allow yourselves to be transformed by him and have the passionate desire of the mission mature in you."

The Pope asserted that a "genuinely Eucharistic life is a missionary life" and he reminded the Emmanuel Community members that "the light of Christ must be taken to everyone."

"In the midst of the men and women of today, be ardent missionaries of the Gospel, supported by a life radically anchored in Christ! Be thirsty to proclaim the Word of God," the Holy Father exhorted.

Families

The Pontiff observed that the "urgency of this proclamation" is today particularly felt in families.

He also encouraged the group to give particular attention to people returning to the Church who have not received a thorough catechesis. "Help them to root their faith in an authentically theological, sacramental and ecclesial life," the Holy Father recommended.

He went on to invite the Emmanuel Community to live "genuine communion among its members," and he urged that this same communion "be effective also with the local Churches."

"Every charism is in relation with the growth of the whole Body of Christ," the Pope said. "Hence missionary action must be ceaselessly adapted to the realities of the local Church, with a permanent concern for agreement and collaboration with the pastors, under the authority of the bishop."

The Bishop of Rome concluded by inviting the members of the community to take the "Virgin Mary, Mother of the Emmanuel [...] 'to your home,' as the beloved disciple did, so that she will truly be the Mother who guides you to her divine Son and helps you to remain faithful to him."

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Full text: www.zenit.org/article-31657?l=english