Welcome to the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, where Pope Francis has sent a powerful message to participants, urging them to embrace radical fraternity with God and each other.
Joined by 4,000 attendees at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Quito, the theme of this congress is “Fraternity to heal the world,” a concept deeply intertwined with the essence of the Eucharist.
In his video message, Pope Francis commended the choice of theme, highlighting the profound connection between the Eucharist and fostering a more just and compassionate world.
The Eucharist as a Unifying Force
Reflecting on the teachings of the early Church Fathers, the Pope underscored the symbolic unity found in the Eucharist, likening it to how bread is made from multiple grains. Just as the grains unite to form bread, humanity must come together as one body in Christ.
Quoting St. Augustine and St. Ignatius of Antioch, Pope Francis emphasized how the Eucharist cultivates a profound sense of fraternity stemming from a deep connection with God.
Embracing Proactive Eucharistic Fraternity
Pope Francis also shared the inspiring story of German nun Angela Autsch, who exemplified “Eucharistic fraternity” even in the face of evil at Auschwitz. Through her simple yet powerful acts, like frequent Communion, she demonstrated how the Eucharist strengthens believers against adversity.
Concluding his message, the Pope urged attendees to adopt this lesson and reclaim a radical fraternity with both God and one another, embracing the healing unity found in Christ. In his words, “only in that unity can we serve the world and heal it—heal the world.”
