Something is happening that is greater than anything we can do. Like most of you, i have enjoyed reading the holy fathers thoughts on the liturgy and the holy mass over the years. The format makes this a great resource for meditationreflection. The eucharistic christology of pope benedict xvi homiletic. Apr 19, 2015 in the course of the christological meditations collected in behold the pierced one 1984, joseph ratzinger the future pope benedict xvi made what might be called a modest proposal with regard to twicemarried catholics and the eucharist. Pope benedict is not afraid to address very difficult religious and theological questions. This profound statement about the eucharist stands at the center of this book by cardinal ratzinger. My brief in this paper is a modest one, to expound the distinctive eucharistie views of pope benedict xvi.
Pope benedicts eucharistic teaching moment catholicism. The practice of making spiritual communions throughout the day is one way to rediscover our eucharistic form. Pope benedict was undeniably prolific in his theological reflection on liturgy and the eucharist prior to his election as supreme pontiff of the catholic church. This book, written by this saintly pope, is extraordinary. At the request of retired pope benedict xvi, his name will be removed as coauthor of a book defending priestly celibacy. Vatican city cardinal robert sarah said monday that claims pope emeritus benedict xvi did not coauthor with him a new book on priestly celibacy are defamations of exceptional gravity. The eucharist, the fullness of christian initiation. An apostolic exhortation is a type of communication from the pope of the roman catholic church that encourages a community of people to undertake a particular activity, but does not define church doctrine. The eucharist spiritual thoughts pope benedict xvi on. Id appreciate any info that helps to identify it and would be grateful for any of the following.
Reading pope benedict xvi books by or about pope benedict. The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the church is directed. Robert sarah, from the depths of our hearts, has caused an earthquake even before. Pope benedict xvi, like his predecessors, intended to present the word of god to his time. John lateran to address participants at the convention for the diocese of rome. Charity goes beyond justice, because to love is to give, to offer what is mine to the other. In the course of the christological meditations collected in behold the pierced one 1984, joseph ratzinger the future pope benedict xvi made what might be called a modest proposal with regard to twicemarried catholics and the eucharist his suggestion has rarely been mentioned during the heated debate over divorced and remarried catholics receiving communion. The most ancient practice of distributing holy communion was, with all probability, to give communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. On sunday pope francis said that the eucharist is no mere symbol, but is in fact the true body and blood of jesus christ, which has the ability to transform our hearts and minds to be more like him. Even before i became catholic, i was impressed by his forthrightness and clarity on what constitutes genuine and godhonoring liturgy.
A eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented,7 he said. It is considered lower in formal authority than a papal. This book is a collection of homilies from joseph ratzinger, now pope benedict, that offers a lot of insight into the eucharist and our relationship to it. The book, from the depths of our hearts, will consist of chapters written individually by pope benedict xvi and cardinal sarah, as well as an introduction and conclusion reportedly credited. On the solemnity of corpus christi, 2008, the holy father restored the traditional practice of distributing holy communion on the tongue while kneeling at all papal masses. Recommended books on the holy eucharist on the eucharist in its relationship to the church, encyclical, pope john paul ii, april 17, 2003.
As the synod fathers said, we need to ask ourselves whether in our christian communities the close link between. The creator comes back to recreate his handiwork from within cf. Jan 14, 2020 in his chapter in a new book on priestly celibacy, pope emeritus benedict xvi says a historical understanding of the priesthood in the old and new testaments makes it clear that celibacy is an. Zenit news, pope benedict xvi the doctrine of the eucharist and its relevance for believers is not sufficiently understood and must be a catechetical priority, says benedict xvi. Receiving the eucharist means adoring him whom we receive. Introduction 1 the food of truth 2 the development of the eucharistic rite 3 the synod of bishops and the year of the eucharist 4. Pope benedict xvi united states conference of catholic.
A papal encyclical is a letter usually treating some aspect of catholic doctrine sent by the pope and addressed to catholic bishops. Pope benedict xvis purpose for writing verbum domini in this way i wish to point out certain fundamental approaches to a rediscovery of gods word in the life of the church as a wellspring of constant renewal. Charity, love, is sharing with the one we love in a sad news during pope francis view the eucharist as a sacrament of transforma tion. Pope benedict xvi writes another deeply spiritual work. Memoirs 19271977 by joseph cardinal ratzinger pope benedict xvi ignatius press paperback rich in humor and culture, passion and love for the cause of god and of man, milestones is the autobiography of one of the most influential men in the catholic church at the turn of the millennium. On sunday pope francis said that the eucharist is no mere symbol, but is in fact the true body and blood of jesus christ, which has the ability to transform our hearts and minds to be more like. As pope benedict xvi notes in deus caritas est god is love, the celebration of the sacraments and. The canonizations were part of a mass that marked the conclusion of the general assembly of the synod of bishops and the year of the eucharist. Pope benedict on the eucharist featured today catholic. We cannot live without joining together on sunday to celebrate the eucharist.
Pope benedict explained the meaning of that latin quote during a homily in 2005. Pope benedicts homily at close of year of the eucharist. Pope benedict reflects on the eucharist, the sacrament of. The eucharistic communion, he says, includes the reality both of being loved and of loving others in turn. Cardinal ratzinger, the new pope benedict xvi, is a man whose devotion and spirituality is definitively focused upon the eucharist. Benedict xvi, pilgrim fellowship of faith, 2002, p. This essay focuses on his christology and, in particular, seeks to emphasize how, unlike many of todays theological interlocutors, benedict immerses his christology in a deeply eucharistic weltanschauung. Having recently encountered somewhat of a lenten eucharistic pilgrimage by taking a closer look at the some of the papal documents from the philosopher, pope st. John vianney, a highlight of the fourdisc, episode series, shows us how to turn to the eucharist as a source of truth, in a world increasingly turning its back on god. Jan 12, 2020 retired pope benedict xvi has coauthored a new book defending the catholic churchs practice of a. Aug 16, 2015 on sunday pope francis said that the eucharist is no mere symbol, but is in fact the true body and blood of jesus christ, which has the ability to transform our hearts and minds to be more like him. The separate entries contained within this remarkable book address various questions, problems and issues related to the origin, meaning and practice of the eucharist in the life of christians. Oct 24, 2005 the ecclesial community, when celebrating the eucharist, especially on the lords day, is always more conscious that the sacrifice of christ is for many matthew 26. The following is a list of apostolic exhortations written by pope benedict xvi.
With the celebration of the holy feast of corpus christi in the most holy eucharistic sacrament in some stalwart parts of the world yesterday, thursday, and soon to be celebrated next sunday in all the rest, it appears appropriate today to quote pope benedict xvis pertinent teaching moment first given on the feast of corpus. Jun 11, 2014 the panorama unveiled by pope benedict xvis teaching on the eucharist as the sacrament of transformations is that of the recapitulation of all things in christ cf. Let us pray to the virgin that all christians may deepen their faith in the eucharistic mystery, so that they live in constant communion with jesus and are his valid witnesses. He is the one same christ who is present in the eucharistic bread of every place on earth. Today, i read at the bbcs website that pope benedict and cardinal sarah have a new book out. Pope benedict xvi continues the theme of his first encyclical.
Pope benedict xvi and the eucharist john paul ii eucharistic. As pope and bishop of rome he explained the message of jesus christ, utilizing in part the array of theological analysis, methods and axioms, for which he is well known. God is near us the eucharist the heart of life is a collection of numerous homilies given by pope benedict xvi when he was archbishop of freising and munich. The eucharist, the heart of the church, pope benedict. Therefore, this essay is going to focus more on how christocentric his eucharistic ecclesiology is, in the hopes. This wondrous sacrament makes manifest that greater love which led him to lay down his life for his friends jn 15. Benedict xvi and cardinal sarah coauthor book on celibacy. Benedict xvi books list of books by author benedict xvi. From the daily celebration of the eucharist, which implies a permanent state of service to god, there spontaneously arose the impossibility of a marital bond for the priest. Pope emeritus benedict, cardinal sarah author new book on. In his chapter in a new book on priestly celibacy, pope emeritus benedict xvi says a historical understanding of the priesthood in the old and new testaments makes it. The sacrament of charity 1, the holy eucharist is the gift that jesus christ makes of himself, thus revealing to us gods infinite love for every man and woman.
The seven secrets of the eucharist by pope benedict, 9781884479311, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. What does benedict xvi actually say in new book on. His numerous books include god and the world, salt of the earth, and the spirit of the liturgy. We can say that the sexual abstinence that was functional was transformed of itself into an ontological abstinence. Mar 19, 20 pope benedict xvi and the holy eucharist apostolate for family consecration. Robert sarah, from the depths of our hearts, has caused an earthquake even before it has been published, as well as an unhinged and. Eucharist is as essential as food, medicine march 27, 2020 lifesitenews pope benedict xvi s biographer, german author peter seewald, has. Zenit news, pope benedict xvithe doctrine of the eucharist and its relevance for believers is not sufficiently understood and must be a catechetical priority, says benedict xvi. For those who may feel discouraged by the present state of affairs in the church, antonio socci has provided an advent gift with his newly released il segreto di benedetto xvi. The pope affirmed this wednesday when he went to the basilica of st. In new book, antonio socci speculates on the secret of. A eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is. The eucharist by pope benedict xvi, paperback barnes.
Pope benedict, divorced catholics, and the eucharist the. Jun 01, 2018 ten years ago pope benedict xvi gave the world a teaching moment in eucharistic reverence. Quotes authors p pope benedict xvi receiving the eucharist means adoring him. In today society we have lost touch with our faith and we are forgetting to past it to our children. Pope benedict breaks 6year silence to comment on clergy sex. Mar 27, 2020 pope benedict explained the meaning of that latin quote during a homily in 2005. From the entrance into jerusalem to the resurrection, and more on. Vatican city cnaewtn news pope benedict xvi continued his series of reflections on prayer at his jan. Beyond this, this book aims to identify and answer the most pressing contemporary concerns that people have about the eucharist, the liturgy, god and the idea of an afterlife. This book by pope benedict xvi though written while he was cardinal ratzinger is excellent. The following is a list of papal encyclicals written by pope benedict xvi.
Benedicts ecclesiology especially is eucharistic and in his book on the eucharist, joseph cardinal. A new book by pope emeritus benedict xvi and cardinal robert sarah will discuss the priesthood and clerical celibacy, and what the authors see as threats and challenges facing priestly ministry in. It is the solemn and public feast of the eucharist, sacrament of the body and blood of christ. Pope benedict xvi quotes about eucharist az quotes. What does benedict xvi actually say in new book on priestly. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a. The sacrament of charity is an apostolic exhortation, written by the pope after the eleventh ordinary general assembly of the synod of bishops, october, 2005. The second vatican council says, we ought to try to discover a new reverence for the eucharistic mystery. But the eucharist is also social, as pope benedict xvi reminds us in deus caritas est. Only in this way do we become one with him, and are given, as it were, a foretaste of the beauty of the heavenly liturgy.
Very deep and very understanding, blessed is the pope benedict, now i have a better understanding of the eucharist. Further on in sacramentum caritatis, pope benedict xvi urges catholics to rediscover the eucharistic form which their lives are meant to have, thus making of our lives a constant selfoffering to god. Retired pope backs away from book on priestly celibacy. Spe salvi in hope we were saved november 30, 2007 text.
Eucharistic celebration for the conclusion of the 25th italian national eucharistic congress, 11 september 2011. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Contemplation of the eucharist must urge all members of the church, in the first place the priests, ministers of the eucharist, to revive their commitment of faith. The heart of the church and the heart of the life of every christian is essentially eucharistic in that it carries christ within. He compellingly shows us the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of the eucharist. Pope benedict xvi canonized bishop rafael guizar y valencia, mother theodore guerin, filippo smaldone and rosa venerini on 15 october 2006.
John paul ii, and the professor, pope benedict xvi, some important similarities between their respective thinking about the holy eucharist came to light. Deus caritas est god is love december 25, 2005 text. Spiritual thoughts series by pope benedict xvi as we remember the gift of sacrifice to us, the holy father discusses the sacrament of the eucharist and how it unites us with the living god and allows us to freely give of ourselves to others. On this day, the mystery instituted in the last supper and commemorated every year on holy thursday, is presented to all, surrounded by the faith and devotion of the ecclesial community. Encyclical sacramentum caritatis pope benedict xvi. The new book written by pope emeritus benedict xvi and cdl. Joan noreen explains how eucharistic adoration increases our awareness of gods love, and renews that connection we seek with him.
Recommended books on the holy eucharist catholic parents. For pope benedict xvi, love encompasses the whole of human existence. The pope explains in detail the eucharist, its importance to liturgies and relevance to the life of the church. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a process took place to change this practice. Mitte des lebens, ratzinger provides a series of essays reflecting on the importance, the mystery, and the spiritual aspects of the eucharistic feast. Pope benedict xvi and the holy eucharist apostolate for family consecration. The celibacy that the priests received as a precious gift and the sign of the undivided love toward god and the neighbor is founded upon the eucharistic mystery, celebrated and adored. Apr 11, 2019 pope benedict breaks 6year silence to comment on clergy sex abuse scandal two popes speaking simultaneously on the most divisive issue facing the church is remarkable. Even a theology along the lines of the concept of apostolic succession, as is in force in the catholic and in the orthodox church, should in no way deny the saving presence of the lord in the evangelical. The eucharist is an exchange between god and humanity that brings us closer to him and reminds us of the purpose for our lives. What it does not bother to inform us about is the book s title or who is publishing it. If the eucharist is truly the source and summit of the churchs life and mission, it follows that the process of christian initiation must constantly be directed to the reception of this sacrament.
Jan 16, 2020 when pope benedict xvi became the first pope to voluntarily. Drama over benedict xvis coauthored book about priestly. Man needs to both give love and receive it as a gift. As a catholic who goes to mass and receives the eucharist almost daily, i found this book very helpful in helping me to have a proper devotion to the eucharist. Pope benedict on the eucharist featured today catholic online. In surprise, benedict openly defends clerical celibacy as.