Benedict XVI is sending the prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy to represent him at a Eucharistic conference in Brazil.
The Pope appointed Cardinal Cláudio Hummes in March to attend the 16th National Eucharistic Congress, to be held May 13-16.
His appointment was announced in a Latin-language letter of April 19 made public this week.
The letter notes the Holy Father’s desire that the conference be “celebrated with maximum solemnity,” and that it be fruitful for all the pastors and faithful attending. He offered his blessing through the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida.
He also mentions that next week’s event is focused on the Eucharist as the Bread of unity for missionary disciples.
Already last month during the Brazilian bishops’ five-yearly visit to Rome, the Pontiff referred to the conference.
“‘Stay with us, [Lord!]’ is the prayer of the sons and daughters of Brazil with a view to the 16th National Eucharistic Congress that will be held in a month’s time in Brasília,” he told the bishops that day. “Thus it will see the golden jubilee of its foundation enriched with the ‘gold’ of eternity present in time: Jesus in the Eucharist.”
VATICAN CITY, MAY 6, 2010 (Zenit.org)