The Filipino people are giving the entire world an example of fidelity and deep devotion to the Lord and his Church, says Pope Francis.
The Pope said this in a video message that was read at the closing Mass on Sunday of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, which was held this year in Cebu.
During his message, the Holy Father also announced that the next congress will be held in 2020 in Budapest, Hungary.
“The theme of the Eucharistic Congress – Christ in You, Our Hope of Glory – is very timely. It reminds us that the risen Jesus is always alive and present in his Church, above all in the Eucharist, the sacrament of his Body and Blood,” the Pope said.
This faith was very much alive during the congress, as it was estimated that 2 million people took part in the Eucharistic procession.
“Christ’s presence among us is not only a consolation, but also a promise and a summons,” the Pope further said. “It is a promise that everlasting joy and peace will one day be ours in the fullness of his Kingdom. But it is also a summons to go forth, as missionaries, to bring the message of the Father’s tenderness, forgiveness and mercy to every man, woman and child.”
“How much our world needs this message!” Francis declared. “When we think of the conflicts, the injustices and the urgent humanitarian crises which mark our time, we realize how important it is for every Christian to be a true missionary disciple, bringing the good news of Christ’s redemptive love to a world in such need of reconciliation, justice and peace.”
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full text: http://zenit.org/articles/popes-video-message-to-eucharistic-congress-in-philippines/
