Pope says love for Eucharist creates saints, abundance of vocations

Published: 2004-04-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said a love for the Eucharist helps create saints and an abundance of vocations. The pope underlined the importance of priests and their tie to the Eucharist as he celebrated the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper April 8 in St. Peter's Basilica. The Blessed Sacrament and the priesthood are each "a gift and mystery which arose together from the heart of Christ during the Last Supper," he said in his homily. "Only a church in love with the Eucharist generates saints and numerous priestly vocations. And this is done through prayer and paying witness to holiness that are offered in a special way to new generations," he said.

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