ASIA/INDIA - “Christ is the rock”: celebrations for the Year of the Eucharist in a diocese in southern India

New Delhi (Fides Service) - “Our rock is Jesus Christ: we have no other foundation than Jesus Christ who gives us his Body to eat and his Blood to drink as a mother who nourishes the fruit of her womb” Bishop Prakash Mallavarapu said this during a special diocesan Mass part of celebrations for the Year of the Eucharist in Vijayawada diocese in the south east Indian state of Andra Pradesh.
One of four Bishops chosen to represent the Church in India at the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October, Bishop Mallavarapu will be away when the Year of the Eucharist closes in October. In view of this he wished to preside special celebrations for the closing of the Year of the Eucharist with moments of catechesis, adoration, procession and witness through the city streets with a final closing Mass.
The Bishop said: “Every small community, every parish has experienced a new way to live the Eucharist thanks to meetings of formation, prayer vigils, liturgies which have helped us all to draw closer to God with us, Emmanuel”.
“Like the Good Shepherd - the Bishop told the people - the Lord nourishes us and reminds us of all he has done for us the People of God with his plan of redemption”.
All over India local Catholic communities organised initiatives to benefit from the Year of the Eucharist called by Pope John Paul II from October 2004 to October 2005. Many dioceses organised seminars and discussions on themes connected with the Eucharist and reflection John Paul II’s Encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”. Many communities promoted the practice of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament night and day.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/9/2005 righe 24 parole 245)