Cebu City – The Filipinos have given the world an example of fidelity and deep devotion to the Lord and His Church since the Filipino people received the Gospel of Jesus Christ 500 years ago, said Pope Francis in his video recorded message at the closing of the 51st International Eucharist Congress (IEC) in Cebu City.
“They (Filipinos) have also been people of missionaries, spreading the light of the Gospel in Asia and the ends of the earth,” the Pope said in his 12-minute message during the Statio Orbis, the concluding Mass for the IEC, at the South Road Properties.
Pope Francis, who was originally scheduled to visit the Philippines for the 51st IEC but came earlier to meet with the victims of typhoon Yolanda, recalled how he witnessed first hand the deep faith and resilience of the Filipino people.
“Here, I think of the aftermath of the typhoon. It brought immense devastation to the Philippines yet it also brought in its wake an immense outpouring of solidarity, generosity, and goodness,” the Pope said, as more than one million people stood quietly listening to his message.
“People set about rebuilding not just homes but lives. The Eucharist speaks to us of that power, which flows from the cross and constantly bring new life. It changes hearts. It enables us to be caring, to protect the poor and vulnerable, and to be sensitive to the cry of our brothers and sisters in need. It teaches us to act with integrity and to reject injustice and corruption, which poison the roots of society,” the Pope said.
Addressing the nearly 15,000 local and foreign delegates to the 51st IEC, Pope Francis reminded them of the two gestures of Jesus at the Last Supper – the table fellowship and the washing of the feet, Manila Bulletin reported.
“As you now prepare to ‘go forth’ at the end of the Eucharistic Congress, there are two gestures of Jesus at the last supper which I would ask you to reflect on. Both have to do with the missionary dimension of the Eucharist. They are table fellowship and the washing of the feet.
“At each Eucharist, the table of the Lord’s Supper, we should be inspired to follow his example, by reaching out to others, in a spirit of respect and openness, in order to share with them the gift we ourselves have received,” he stressed.
He also said that the theme of the 51st IEC, “Christ in Your, Our Hope of Glory” is very timely as it reminds everyone that the risen Jesus is always alive and present in His Church, above all in the Eucharist, the Sacrament of His body and blood.
“Christ’s presence among us is not only a consolation but also a promise and a summons. It is a promise that everlasting joy and peace will one day be ours in the fullness of his kingdom. But it is also a summons to go forth as missionaries, to bring the message of the Father’s tenderness, forgiveness, and mercy to every man, woman and child. How much our world needs this message!” he said.
The Holy Father also thanked Papal legate Charles Maung Cardinal Bo for representing him in the congress. He also expressed special greetings to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and Manila Archbishop Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle and thanked those who came from the vast continent of Asia and the world to join in the Eucharistic Congress.
“Dear friends, may this Eucharistic Congress strengthen you in your love of Christ present in the Eucharist. May it enable to you as missionary disciples to bring the great experience of ecclesial communion and missionary outreach to your families, your parishes and communities, and your local churches,” the Pope said.
In closing, Pope Francis announced that the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Budapest, Hungary in 2020. The 51st IEC closing mass in Cebu gathered over 450,000 Christian devotees from the Visayas and Mindanao areas.