Eucharist unites, strengthens, pope says at Corpus Christi Mass

Published: 2008-05-22

ROME (CNS) -- The Eucharist has the power to unite people, strengthen them and remind them that only God is worthy of worship, said Pope Benedict XVI at a Mass marking the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. The May 22 Mass at Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran was followed by a traditional Corpus Christi procession through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for eucharistic adoration and Benediction. The pope rode in a canopied flatbed truck to St. Mary's, kneeling in front of a monstrance with the Eucharist. Thousands of priests, seminarians, religious, altar servers, members of Catholic sodalities and the faithful accompanied the pope on foot. In his homily at the Mass, the pope said the rites and rituals of the feast day explain what the feast is about: "First, we are gathered around the altar of the Lord to be together in his presence; second, there will be the procession, which is walking with the Lord"; and, finally, all the faithful will kneel before the Eucharist, honoring Jesus Christ who gave his life for the salvation of all.

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