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The Editor's Blog
Blog : (noun) An online journal containing entries posted by the blogger. Entries appear in reverse chronological order. Readers may send in their comments and responses, some of which the blogger may choose to post. This allows for interaction and dialogue between the blogger and the readers.
Eucharistic Congress: Day 4
Thursday, June 19, 2008 ¡Buenos días! ¿Cómo están todo el mundo? As you can see, South America was yesterday's featured continent. One of my favorite things in these kinds of events is meeting people from all around the world (although most participants here are North American). The people I spoke to in Spanish seemed proud and touched that I knew their language (and I was proud to dust it off!). It reminds me of Pentecost: (Acts 2:1-13): They were bewildered because they each heard the believers speaking in their own language. Today, I thought I'd let you in on something special taking place this week, in which I have the privilege of participating: a "commission" that is working on pastoral recommendations regarding the Eucharist. Its membership is quite interesting: Bishop Terrence Prendergast, archbishop of Ottawa, presides it; Sister Lorraine Caza, c.n.d., is the secretary; the other members are Bishop Albert Legatt (Saskatoon), Bishop Paul-André Durocher (Alexandria-Cornwall), Bishop David Motiuk (Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edomonton), Fr. Ferdinand Pratzner (secretary of the Pontifical Committee for Eucharistic Congresses), Michèle Nuzzo (producer/reporter for Salt+Light Television), and yours truly. Michèle and I are the youngest (27 and 26), and the bishops are aged 46 to 64, which is quite young. All have a solid theological background or many years of pastoral experience. Our daily work consists in analyzing the discussions of about 400 delegates, chosen by their diocese to take part in roundtables pertaining to the Eucharist. These pilgrims, from all continents and of all ages (lay people, priests, religious) meet Tuesday to Friday. It is the first time, in a Eucharistic Congress, that such work is systematically being done in view of pastoral recommendations. Our report will be published in the Acts of the Congress, and will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI. After two work sessions with the Commission, I can say that what is manifest is a consistent balance between the dimensions of Christian living and the Eucharist. The delegates are quite conscious of the necessary relationship between the Paschal mystery, foundation of our faith, its celebration in the Sunday Eucharist, and ethical and social action. Quite the contrary of what some critics supposed in the media (without, of course, actually being here to get a sense of the truth of their statements). On a daily basis, pilgrims (and not just the roundtable delegates) are discussing involvement with the vulnerable people of our world. I have yet to meet someone whose faith leads to blindness! I leave you on this hopeful note, and will be back Friday evening with my comments on Thursday's procession, among other things. If you followed the event on the news and want to share your reactions, write to me at hautefidelite@diocesemontreal.org. Sabrina Sabrina Di Matteo Editor |
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Haute Fidélité © march 2007 |
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Earlier this week, I met Vivian, my Puerto Rican counterpart. She is a reporter for a Catholic newspaper back home, and traveled here with her husband and their young daughter... as well as a tiny little pilgrim who has yet to be born! These steps we take, risking a conversation with people of a foreign language, make me reflect on the incarnation. God came to us, desiring a relationship with humankind and all Creation. He did not come in full-on glory and spectacle mode, but rather discreetly. He became human and risked our language to better communicate Himself and His love to us. Jesus is the Word of God... He reveals the Father to us by giving us words and images to understand him. I'm getting off topic now...
Grouped by 10, according to their language, they reflect on eucharistic practices, using questions put forward by theologian Gilles Routhier (Université Laval). The questions themselves are based on the catecheses, witnesses and homilies heard the previous day. The idea is to have the delegates analyze their pastoral practices in light of the reflections at the Congress, and to have them identify issues and needs related to the Eucharist. Their notes are summarized by a group of volunteers, each evening, and the Commission works from the summaries the next, in order to elaborate its recommendations. (Pictured: one of the roundtables) Are you still with me?