Vatican City, Apr 28, 2004 / 22:00 pm
“To evangelize the world there is need of apostles who are 'experts' in the celebration, adoration and contemplation of the Eucharist," said the Pope in his message for the 78th World Mission Day, which was made public today.
He also affirmed that the missonary activity of the Church is still an “urgency in the third millenium” and reiterated the need for it to be founded upon the Eucharist: "How could the Church fulfill her vocation without cultivating a constant relationship with the Eucharist, without nourishing herself with this food which sanctifies, without founding her missionary activity on this indispensable support?”
The Holy Father’s message underlined the fact that the missionary character of Christian life begins anew after every Mass: "At the end of every Mass all should feel they are sent as 'missionaries of the Eucharist' to carry to every environment the great gift received. In fact anyone who encounters Christ in the Eucharist cannot fail to proclaim through his or her life the merciful love of the Redeemer."
He also underscored the importance of spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, “drawing from it strength, consolation and assistance.”