St Francis and the Eucharist

Peace to you all!

In preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress, we will post a series of reflections, over the coming days and weeks, on St Francis and the Eucharist. The Eucharist is central to Franciscan life, wherever and however it is lived. The theme of this Congress is 'Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another' and this theme could very easily be applied to Franciscan life.

As Capuchin Franciscans, our life, following the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a life of Fraternity both with Christ and with one another. At the centre of this life is the Eucharist both as a Sacrament, in which we are united with Christ, and also as a Sacrament in which we are bound together.

Francis, in his early years, longed to be a Knight and to take part in the Crusades to the Holy Land. After he heard Christ's call and responded to it, his Crusade became a Crusade of Peace, of Love, of Unity, of Communion.....a Eucharistic Crusade. In this series of reflections we will look at some of the writing Francis has left us, in which he speaks of the Eucharistic, it's importance and our responsibilities as followers of Christ. We will look at these writings, now nearly 800 years old, in light of our contemporary experience and world, drawing on his wisdom and insights.

We are delighted that both St Mary of the Angels in Church St and St Michan's in Halston Street have been chosen as part of the Pilgrim Walk. We look forward to welcoming pilgrims and sharing with them a little of what it means to be a Franciscan in today's world.

I hope you can join us for the walk and that, in the time leading to the Congress, you find the reflections enriching ....stay tuned, we'll keep you posted!

Pax
Br Martin