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In October 2004, six months before he died, Pope John Paul II issued an apostolic letter dedicating the entire year—through October 2005—to the Eucharist. His call to reflect on the Eucharist is one of the last gifts we received from this pope who taught us so very much.
He taught this message not just by words but by example, too. Think about the many times you saw broadcasts or pictures of Pope John Paul celebrating Mass or kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. The whole world could see what a high value he placed on Eucharistic prayer!
This was something I had occasion to witness every time I met with the pope in Rome. Whenever he entertained guests for lunch or supper, he would conclude the meal with a visit to his chapel, there to pray in utter silence. We who were guests became caught up in the quiet contemplation of the Lord. But this happened not only in Rome. Everywhere he went, his love for the Blessed Sacrament shone brightly.
Real Presence. When the Holy Father came to Baltimore in 1995, he celebrated the Eucharist at Oriole Park…
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