Synod report calls for teaching about, improving access to Eucharist

Published: 2005-10-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The church must help Catholics understand Christ's presence in the Eucharist to increase their devotion, their participation at Mass and their commitment to charity and justice in the world, said Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola of Venice. The cardinal, recording secretary of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, also said Oct. 12 that the church must "respond to the urgent obligation to offer the eucharistic gift regularly to all the faithful, including in mission countries and those with a lack of priests." In a 14-page summary of the synod discussions Oct. 3-12, the cardinal offered synod members 17 questions to discuss in their small groups as they prepare proposals to be given to Pope Benedict XVI before the Oct. 23 close of the gathering. The Vatican gave journalists copies of the report. Cardinal Scola said the questions arose from the content of 230 formal speeches, many of which showed the bishops disagreed on some very "delicate" points, as well as from the contributions of Catholic observers and representatives of Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches. Synod members "from every continent" spoke about "the worrying lack of priests," Cardinal Scola said.

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