In a heartfelt video message to the participants of the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, Pope Francis reflected on the transformative power of the Eucharist.
He emphasized that this sacred gift not only brings us closer to God but also enables us to be the body of Christ for those around us.
The Call to Deep Brotherhood
Pope Francis explained that the Eucharist teaches us about deep brotherhood, which is born out of our connection with God.
He used the metaphor of wheat being ground to become bread, symbolizing our participation in the body of Christ and the community of saints.
By embracing this profound brotherhood, we participate fully in the Eucharist.
A Historic Gathering in Ecuador
The 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, held in Quito from September 8-15, 2024, commemorates the 150th anniversary of Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The event is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees from more than 40 countries.
A special highlight of the congress will be the participation of over 1,500 children who will make their First Communion during the opening Mass.
The theme, “Fraternity to Heal the World,” underscores the importance of unity in overcoming global challenges.
A Message of Fraternity from Afar
Although Pope Francis was on an 11-day journey through Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, he still made time to send his message to the congress in Quito.
He quoted Church Fathers St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Ignatius of Antioch, noting that the Eucharist inspires a desire for fraternity among the People of God.
Just as bread is made from many grains, so too are we united as one body in Christ.
The Example of Venerable Sr. Angela Maria of the Heart of Jesus
Pope Francis also highlighted the life of Venerable Sr. Angela Maria of the Heart of Jesus, a German Trinitarian Sister who perished in the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps during World War II.
He praised her “proactive” approach to fraternity, even before her arrest.
She encouraged those around her to resist evil through simple yet courageous acts, such as receiving Holy Communion.
Strength Through the Eucharist
For Venerable Angela, the Eucharist was a powerful bond that strengthened the Church and its members.
Pope Francis emphasized that this bond formed a resistance that could not be defeated because it wasn’t based on human designs.
He reminded us that when one member of the Church suffers, the whole body suffers, and it is through these small, meaningful gestures that we can find strength and unity in challenging times.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress continues in Quito, the message of Pope Francis invites us to reflect on how the Eucharist calls us to be Christ for others.
Through fraternity and unity, we can heal the world, one small gesture at a time.
