Pope Francis praised the National Eucharistic Revival taking place in the United States, saying in a letter published Tuesday, July 9, that he wanted to extend a special blessing to all attendees of the National Eucharistic Congress later this month.
“The faithful who approach the heavenly banquet, strengthened by the protection of heaven, are able to work with more vigor and diligence in maintaining their daily duties,” the Pope wrote. “For this reason, we have been very happy with the news of the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States of America,” he added.
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Written in Latin, the letter It was addressed to Cardinal Luis Tagle, a Filipino cardinal who serves as pro-prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization.
Cardinal Tagle was named by Pope Francis in May as his special envoy to the National Eucharistic Congress, an event that will take place in Indianapolis from July 17 to 21 and is expected to draw tens of thousands of American faithful.
Cardinal Tagle will celebrate the closing Mass of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.
In the letter, the pope praises Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the American bishops for their efforts to increase devotion to the Eucharist.
The Pope also authorized Cardinal Tagle to act as his extraordinary representative in the congress.
“In fact, all participants in this event will be encouraged so that, united to Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of our redemption, they will be fully aware of the universal gifts they receive from heavenly food and can impart them to others,” the Pontiff wrote. .
The Pope continues his message by asking Cardinal Tagle to greet all the faithful gathered at the congress, to “encourage a more vigorous worship of the Eucharist,” and to “express our benevolence to all participants.”
“We wish that the faithful, refreshed with heavenly food, reach a happier time and spiritual prosperity,” Francis wrote. “For from the angelic bread, flowing forth as from a spiritual fountain, flows abundantly the fullness and abundance of the blessings of the Lord,” he added.
This will be the first National Eucharistic Congress in more than half a century and a pivotal event in the American bishops’ three-year National Eucharistic Revival, leading up to the final year: the Year of Missionary Sending.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
Peter Pinedo
Peter Pinedo is a Washington DC correspondent for CNA. A graduate of Franciscan University, Peter previously worked for Texas Right to Life. He is a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve.