Year of the Blessed Sacrament<br/><br/>

In the Piazza of the Lateran Basilica in Rome on June 10 which was the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Pope John Paul II had announced the commencement of the Year of the Blessed Sacrament. It will begin from October 10, 2004 on which day the International Eucharistic Congress convenes in Mexico. It will cease on the final day of the XI World Bishops’ Conference which happens to be October 2, 2005.<br/><br/>

The Blessed Sacrament is the Sacrament of Communion. When we participate and attend mass, every faithful of the congregation together with the celebrant priest are tightly linked and related to one another. This is particularly so for all the members of the choir, lectors, altar assistants, Eucharist ministers and ushers. In solidarity they form one team for a liturgical service fulfillment.<br/><br/>

Not only this mindful disposition of harmonious interaction stands out in the liturgy, it is even shown in their mutual cooperation in the preparation before the liturgy. In spite of the fact that the celebrant priest is acting in the liturgies as the mediator between humans and God, every faithful should strive to live out the essence of all liturgies, that is, to serve Christ exhibited in other persons.<br/><br/>

In addition to attend masses fervently and to receive the Holy Eucharist desirously, personal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in front of the tabernacle (Eucharistic chest), observe the Holy Hour in the parish church and to receive the Benediction of the Holy Eucharist are all ways to worship the Blessed Sacrament.<br/><br/>

Let us respond and react to the Pope’s summon – to worship the Holy Eucharist with fervour and passion.