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Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB elevates the Eucharist during the opening Mass of the Plenary Council in Perth in October 2021 (Perth Archdiocese/Ron Tan)

The Perth Archdiocese has launched a new program on liturgical formation and renewal with a focus on “God’s most precious gift” to humanity – the Eucharist. Source: The eRecord.

Commencing this week with an introduction video from Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SBD to be aired in parishes, the program aims to encourage the Perth Catholic community to a renewed love of the Eucharist. 

“It is God’s most precious gift to us through his Church: it is God’s gift of himself in Christ,” Archbishop Costelloe says.

Over the next four weeks, video messages highlighting an understanding of sacramentality and liturgy will be shown in Perth parishes. 

Archbishop Costelloe said it is important to reflect on what it means to be a Christ-centred Church that is prayerful and Eucharistic.

“The gift of the Eucharist, like the gift of faith itself, comes to us from God who calls us into His Church through baptism and nourishes and strengthens this faith through our life within the Church,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“That God should choose us will always remain both an undeserved grace and a profound mystery,” he said.

Fr Vincent Glynn, Perth Archdiocese’s episcopal vicar for education and faith formation, said after the Easter season the program will focus on the celebration of the Eucharist.

Pope Francis has encouraged liturgical formation and renewal, particularly through his June 2022 apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi (I have earnestly desired).

The letter’s title comes from Luke 22:15 when, before the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”

In the letter, Pope Francis insisted that Catholics need to better understand the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and its goal of promoting the “full, conscious, active and fruitful celebration” of the Mass.

FULL STORY

The gift of the Eucharist the focus for new liturgical formation and renewal program (By Jamie O’Brien, The eRecord)