Bangkok (AsiaNews) "The Eucharist is the source and the culmination of Church life," said Fr Vira Arphonrat, secretary-general of the Catholic Commission for Catechetical Education during the 3rd National Catechists' Meeting.
He said that this is the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by John Paul II, scheduled to last from October 2004 to October 2005, and stressed the importance of receiving the Eucharist every day.
Father Arphonat added that "the Eucharist unites us as one in Christ", "keeps us away from sin", and is "the support of the Church as she devotes herself to the poor". In practice, through the Eucharist every aspect of Christian life is marked by the encounter with Christ for did the Gospel not say: "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing." (John, 15:5)
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand supports the ongoing formation of Catechists and religious by providing them with courses in theology. With the co-operation of Lux Mundi Major Seminary there are 25 students received a Bachelor Degree this year. They will be sent to teach the catechism in Catholic schools and parish churches nationwide.
