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‘A Host of saving power’
archived from: 2013-01-25
by: Bishop David A. Zubik

Jan. 25, 2013 My dear Sisters and Brothers:

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life and ministry in the church. As Pope Benedict XVI expressed it so beautifully: “The personal relationship which the individual establishes with Jesus present in the Eucharist constantly points beyond itself to the whole communion of the church and nourishes a fuller sense of membership in the body of Christ” (“The Sacrament of Charity”).

From June 2008 through June 2009, the Church of Pittsburgh celebrated the Year of St. Paul in a very special way. I had asked for every parish to set aside a day of Eucharistic adoration, asking God’s blessing on the church. The Church of Pittsburgh responded with 100 percent participation, and the blessings from that wonderful year have been bountiful.

In this Year of Faith called by the Holy Father, I have asked once again that our parishes join in this spiritual opportunity. And you have responded so positively. Our goal is to have Eucharistic adoration available every day in the Church of Pittsburgh from Feb. 1 through Nov. 24, the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Our special intention in this Eucharistic adoration is for the Year of Faith and the Church of Pittsburgh, that we may always grow to be “The Church Alive!”

Beginning this week in the Pittsburgh Catholic, we will list each week the parishes and times where Eucharistic adoration will be held. You can also visit the diocesan website (www.diopitt.org) and click on the “Eucharistic Adoration” box on the homepage to find a full listing from Feb. 1 through Nov. 24.

Please also note that on the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), June 2, 2013, the church throughout the world will join together at the Holy Father’s request in adoring Our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist. I have asked each parish to plan for this significant day in the life of the church by offering Eucharistic adoration that day:

“Christ willed what he himself had done Should be renewed while time should run, In memory of his parting hour: Thus, tutored in his school divine, We consecrate the bread and wine; And lo — a Host of saving power.” — Sequence for the Solemnity of Corpus Christ, Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

We will adore together this “Host of saving power,” Jesus Christ truly present in our midst. It will be a bountiful source of grace for each and all of us. Grateful for our belief that “Nothing is Impossible with God,” I am

Your brother in Christ, Most Reverend David A. Zubik Bishop of Pittsburgh

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