Question
I heard recently of a special holy year on the Eucharist. When is it and why is at this time of the year?
--Yearning in Yorkville
Answer
During the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, on June 10, 2004, Pope John Paul II announced a "Year of the Eucharist" to be observed from October 10, 2004 (the beginning of the International Eucharistic Congress, in Guadalajara, Mexico. It will end during the next ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held at the Vatican, October 2 - 29, 2005. The theme of the synod is "The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church."
From his homily on June 10, the pope reminded the church of the special role of the Eucharist and his reflection in his 2003 encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucharistia. From this document, as well as the documents of the International Eucharistic Congress in Mexico, the bishops and people of the world will reflect on the importance of the Eucharist.
Resources: <http://www.yearofeucharist.com>