"Through the testimony of lives transformed by God's love, we best proclaim the Kingdom's promise of reconciliation, justice and unity for the human family. Our example can open hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit, who leads them to Christ the Savior."
Pope Francis said that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples "as a sign of humble service, of the unconditional love with which he gave his life on the Cross for the salvation of the world."
"The Eucharist is a school of humble service. It teaches us readiness to be there for others," he said. "This too is at the heart of missionary discipleship."
Pope Francis' message praised the Filipino people as "an example of fidelity and deep devotion to the Lord and his Church." They have been "a people of missionaries, spreading the light of the Gospel in Asia and to the ends of the earth."
The Pope reflected on the wake of the devastating storm Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.
"It brought immense devastation to the Philippines, yet it also brought in its wake an immense outpouring of solidarity, generosity and goodness," he said. "People set about rebuilding not just homes, but lives."
The Pope encouraged his audience to seek renewal in the Eucharist.
"The Eucharist speaks to us of that power, which flows from the Cross and constantly brings new life. It changes hearts. It enables us to be caring, to protect the poor and the 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 the injustice and corruption which poison the roots of society."
At the close of his message, Pope Francis announced that Budapest, Hungary will be the site of the 2020 International Eucharistic Conference.
"I ask all of you to join me in praying for its spiritual fruitfulness and for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all engaged in its preparation," he said.
The Philippines previously hosted the congress in the year 1937, while Hungary last hosted the congress in 1938.
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