VATICAN CITY, OCT. 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II told a group of young people involved in a diocesan mission on the streets of Rome that there cannot be evangelization without the Eucharist.
«Eucharist and mission are two inseparable realities,» the Pope told the youngsters Saturday at a meeting.
From Oct. 1-10 the youths were dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel to other young people in Rome’s historic center, as part of their mission called «Jesus at the Center.»
The motto, which referred to the center of Rome as well as to the center of life, brought together more than 400 young «missionaries,» an initiative organized by the diocese.
The mission alternated times for proclamation of the Gospel and adoration in St. Agnes Church in Piazza Navona. Shows and concerts of Christian music were offered in the evening in the piazza.
Meanwhile, from Oct. 6-10 the first European Meeting of Youth Groups of Eucharistic Adoration took place, in which young people from the United States also participated.
Both initiatives were held in the context of preparation for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany.
In his Saturday address to the young people, John Paul II said: «There is no authentic celebration and adoration of the Eucharist that does not lead to mission. At the same time, the mission presupposes another essential Eucharistic element: union of hearts.»
The Holy Father gave the young people three indications.
«Above all, love for the Eucharist. Never tire of celebrating and adoring it, together with the whole Christian community, especially on Sunday. Know how to put it at the center of your personal and community life so that communion with Christ will help you to undertake courageous options,» he said.
Second, the Pope recommended «missionary passion.»
«Do not be afraid to give reasons for the hope that dwells in you, a hope that has a very concrete name: Jesus Christ!» he said. «This hope must be transmitted to your contemporaries, helping them to seek, offering them authentic friendship and acceptance, leading them to discover the great gift of the Eucharist.»
Third, «to facilitate the encounter of the world of youth with an authentic Eucharistic spirituality, never tire of being formed in the school of listening to the Word of God, of prayer, and of the celebration of the sacraments,» the Holy Father said.
He added: «Always remember that the first place pf evangelization is the human person, toward whom the Eucharist impels us, asking us for the ability to listen and to love.»
