My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last year, our deceased Holy Father John Paul II called for the Universal Church to celebrate the Year of the Eucharist to encourage a greater love for Jesus Christ present in the celebration of Holy Mass. The Year of the Eucharist concluded in Rome with the Synod of Bishops this past October. Here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe we celebrated the Year of the Eucharist and concluded with the outdoor Mass and Eucharistic Adoration in Albuquerque at Isotopes Park at the Rosary Rally and devotion to Mary, under her title of Our Lady of the Holy Eucharist. Over 4,000 people participated.
The purpose of this letter being read at all the Masses Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, is to teach some of the truths that were central to the Eucharistic Year and the discussion on the Eucharist during the Synod of Bishops in Rome.
Our Lord gave the Church the great gift of the Holy Eucharist to feed us spiritually and give us the strength we need to follow Him faithfully. The bread and wine become His Body and Blood during the Mass. It isn’t just a symbol of Christ but, in a profound and holy transformation, the elements actually become the Lord’s Body and Blood. It is a central mystery of our faith taught by the Holy Bible and our 2000-year Catholic tradition. What a great mystery this is! We must respond with faith and reverence to this gift that Jesus gives us. What can we do to appreciate the Eucharist more?
First of all, be prepared. One should have a hunger for the Body of Christ. I invite you to think back to that day when you made your First Holy Communion. Try to have that same desire for the Lord you had when you first received Jesus in Communion.
Secondly, at Mass, enter the Church with a sense of reverence and respect for the Divine Mystery.
Thirdly, participate during Mass.
Live in peace, justice and charity with others. Live a moral and decent life. May the Eucharistic Jesus be with your always!
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,
Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan
Archbishop of Santa Fe