VATICAN CITY, 18 JUN 2008 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, which was celebrated in St. Peter's Square, the Pope addressed some remarks to participants in the International Eucharistic Congress:
"I am spiritually present at this most solemn ecclesial meeting," he said, "and I trust it will be a time rich in prayer, reflection and contemplation of the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist, for the Christian communities of Canada and for the Universal Church. May it also be a propitious moment in which to reaffirm the Church's faith in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament."
Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by expressing the hope that the congress "may revive in believers — not just in Canada but in many other nations in the world — an awareness of the evangelical and spiritual values that have forged their identity."
Despite a spirited lobby campaign, Pope Benedict declined an invitation to attend the congress. However, he'll be present electronically at the closing Mass Sunday, June 22. He'll be giving the homily via a satellite TV hook-up from the Vatican.
For more coverage by the Catholic Register on the 49th International Eucharistic Congress see:
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