Vatican City, Oct 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Bishops from around the world, currently meeting in Rome for the Synod of Bishops continued their discussion yesterday and today on the role of the Eucharist in the modern world. As has been one of the major themes thus far, the prelates discussed how Eucharistic reverence can be more of a visible sign to the world and also looked at means for ecumenical dialogue with separated Christian siblings.
Archbishop Oswald Thomas Colman Gomes of Colombo, Sri Lanka addressed the Fathers this morning saying: "We have to promote a visible demonstration of our faith in the Eucharistic Lord. And this has to be done more in deed than in word. Reference has already been made here to many abuses and aberrations in the celebration of the Eucharist and gross lack of reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament. ... Particular reference has been made to secularism and relativism."
"It is unfortunate", he lamented, "that these are even creeping into Asia. While respecting common liturgical norms we need to make a deep study of the cultural patterns of the various worshippers and have them integrated to our liturgy."
Because "cultural patterns of people differ from continent to continent, and often from country to country," the Archbishop pointed out, "liturgists in these respective areas will have to make a study of these patterns and integrate the highest forms of adoration into the adoration of the Eucharist."