Vatican City (AsiaNews) – As the liturgical year begins, John Paul II has invited all the faithful to contemplate the "Christ present in the Eucharist".  He had already inaugurated the Year of the Eucharist with the International Eucharistic Congress in Guadalajara (Mexico) held last October.

In today's Angelus, he exhorted Italians to prepare for their national Eucharistic Congress scheduled for Bari (southern Italy) next May 21-29, 2005; Its theme: 'Without Sunday, we cannot live'.

After the Marian prayer, the Pope greeted the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square. Without explicitly referring to the current political crisis in the Ukraine, the Pontiff especially singled out those faithful from this Eastern European nation to assure them that "he was praying for peace in their country".

Here is the full text of the Pope's remarks before the Angelus:

"Today, first Sunday of Advent, a new liturgical year begins. We will contemplate with special fervour the face of Christ present in the Eucharist. Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, who died and is risen, is at the centre of history. The Church adores him and sees in Him the ultimate unifying meaning of the mysteries of the faith: God's love which gives life."

"In Italy, preparations are underway for the 24th National Eucharistic Congress scheduled for Bari from May 21 to the 29, 2005. 'Without Sunday we cannot live' is its theme. And as Providence will have it, it will give greater visibility to the Year of the Eucharist."

"I urge the Italian ecclesial community to carefully prepare itself for this spiritual event by rediscovering with renewed vigour the meaning of Sunday, its mystery, the value of its celebration and its meaning for human and Christian existence (Apos. Lett. Dies Domini, 3)."

"May the Most Holy Mary, 'Eucharistic Woman' and Virgin of Advent, help us be ready to welcome with joy the coming Christ. May She help us celebrate in a worthy manner His sacramental presence in the Eucharistic Mystery."