The Eucharist

From October 2004 to October 2005, the Catholic Church celebrates a Year of the Eucharist, as announced by John Paul II. In Ecclesia de Eucharistia, the Pope proclaims,”Here is the Church’s treasure, the heart of the world, the pledge of the fulfillment for which each man and woman, even unconsciously, yearns. A great and transcendent mystery, indeed, and one that taxes our minds ability to pass beyond appearances.” (#59)

In this collection of four talks Chiara Lubich explains how the Eucharist opens up unity and reveals its substance. In fact, it is through the Eucharist that humanity’s unity with God is completely fulfilled, as well as the unity among people and the unity of the whole cosmos with its Creator. In her introduction, the author shares her deep motivation for preparing these talks: Forgive our daring, for love wants to know better in order to love better. We do not want our journey on earth to be over before we have discovered at least a little about who you are.

These meditations will help the reader respond to John Paul II’s invitation to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the foundation and wellspring of the Church … as it were gathered up, foreshadowed and concentrated forever in the gift of the Eucharist…. The thought of this leads us to profound amazement and gratitude. (Ecclesia de Eucharistia 5)

Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) was born in Italy. An internationally renowned religious leader and writer, she received the Templeton Prize for the Progress of Religion and the UNESCO Peace Prize. She published over thirty books in dozens of languages with more than one million copies sold. She founded and presided the Focolare Movement until her death on March 14, 2008. Chiara and her gospel-based spirituality have inspired millions. The Focolare Movement stands at the forefront of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.