Adorers of the Eucharist

Pope lauds "rediscovery" of Eucharistic adoration

Nov. 09 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI hailed "the rediscovery of Eucharistic adoration" during a November 9 meeting with members of the Pontifical Committee for the International Eucharistic Congress.

The Holy Father thanked committee members for their work in preparation for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Quebec in June 2008. He said that the event was certain to be "a source of spiritual renewal, an occasion to make better known the blessed Eucharist."

"How much need modern humanity has to rediscover the source of its hope in the sacrament of the Eucharist!" the Pope said. He took special note of the presence of many members of the group Adorers of the Eucharist, and said the revival of Eucharistic adoration is a welcome development-- one which he hopes "will become ever more widespread."

Pope Benedict predicted that the public release of his apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist, concluding the work of the 2005 Synod of Bishop on the topic, would help preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec. Although no date has been set for the release of that papal document, informed Vatican observers have said that its promulgation is now "imminent."

The International Eucharistic Congress was born in France late in the 19th century, inspired by St. Pierre Julien Eymard and with organizational leadership from a lay woman, Emilie Tamiser. With the support of Pope Leo XIII, the first Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille in 1881. Gradually spreading around the world, the Eucharistic Congress movement encouraged frequent reception of the Eucharist by Catholic adults, and careful attention to preparing young children for their First Communion.