General: The Word of God as Sign of Social Development: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
Mission: The End of War: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.
During the celebration of the Eucharist, Christ is really present in his community as he was present in the community of his apostles. But he is present as the Risen Lord, the giver of life. When the reader proclaims the Word of God, it is Jesus himself proclaiming the Goodness of God our heavenly Father. When the priest kisses the altar, being it the symbol of Christ, he kisses Christ and Christ kisses the members of his community gathered to make memorial of him. “Do it in memory of me.” In the consecration, wine and bread are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Therefore Jesus is really present under the species of bread and wine. Note that I say “really present” and not “spiritually present”. That bread is not any longer bread but the body of Christ, the same for the wine. In the communion we receive the body and blood of Christ that is the person of Christ. In the celebration of the Eucharist Jesus forgives our sins and he physically heals us.
