At a recent gathering in Quito, Ecuador, Archbishop Francisco Ozoria of Santo Domingo delivered a powerful message about the importance of the Eucharist for priests.
Speaking during a homily at the International Eucharistic Congress, he emphasized that the Eucharist should be at the heart of every priest’s life.
His reflections were aimed at both clergy and laypeople attending the event.
More Than Social Work
In his address, Archbishop Ozoria cautioned against allowing social activities to overshadow the celebration of the Mass.
While social outreach is undeniably important, he warned that when it becomes a higher priority than the Eucharist, it diminishes the value of Christ’s sacrament.
Ozoria highlighted the significance of keeping the Eucharist at the core, as it embodies the presence of Jesus Christ and sustains the faithful.
The Eucharist as the Center of Christian Life
Ozoria underscored that activities without the Eucharist as their foundation are spiritually hollow.
By placing anything else above the celebration of the Mass, priests may unintentionally convey that other tasks or initiatives hold greater importance than the Eucharist.
For him, the sacrament is the very center of Christian life and a priest’s mission.
Reaffirming the Purpose of Eucharistic Congresses
The archbishop further explained that the purpose of Eucharistic congresses is to reaffirm the central role of the Eucharist in the Church and in the life of Christians.
He encouraged priests to demonstrate this centrality through their teachings, homilies, and all pastoral work, ensuring that the Eucharist remains the focal point of their ministry.
Moving Forward
As the International Eucharistic Congress continues, the call to priests is clear: place the Eucharist at the center of your vocation and ensure that its significance is fully expressed in every aspect of your ministry.
This message serves as a reminder for the broader Church to keep Christ’s presence, through the Eucharist, at the heart of all activities and actions.