Synod message urges Catholics to allow Eucharist to transform lives

Published: 2005-10-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While acknowledging problems connected with faith, discipline and manpower, the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist called on Catholics to approach the sacrament with awe and allow it to transform their lives and the life of the world. In their final message, the bishops encouraged Catholics to "go joyfully" to meet the risen Jesus in the Eucharist and experience the truth of his promise to be with his followers until the end of time. The message was released Oct. 22, a day later than scheduled, after synod members returned it to their drafting committee for dozens of minor changes and after several bishops called for clarification in its section on divorced and civilly remarried Catholics who cannot receive the Eucharist. The rewriting of the message meant that the bishops did not have a chance to vote on its final form, although Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec, chairman of the drafting committee, told a press conference Oct. 22 that the bishops' applause earlier that morning signified their approval.

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