Following the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, Bishop Michael Bibi, led a timely catechetical session on June 8th at the Saint Charles Lwanga Parish in Molyko on “The Importance of the Eucharist to the Life of Every Christian.” The Bishop reminded the faithful that the Eucharist was the sum and summary of the Christian faith. He educated the congregation on the profound sacredness of the Body of Christ while providing vital guidance on how to be properly disposed, how to reverence the sacrament, and how to be spiritually prepared to receive Holy Communion, emphasizing that a worthy reception of this sacrament was essential to sustain and strengthen every believer’s daily walk of faith.
Bishop Bibi during catechesis
In his catechesis on the importance of the Eucharist, Bishop Michael Bibi noted that Christ becomes truly, really, and substantially present in the bread and wine at the moment of consecration. The prelate explained that the faithful received a foretaste of the heavenly banquet during Holy Communion, and he urged Christians not to deprive themselves of the Eucharist. He further emphasized that before receiving the Sacrament, every Christian had to be in a state of grace and free from mortal sin. Reiterating that receiving the Body of Christ while conscious of mortal sin constituted a sacrilege, he stressed that believers had to be thoroughly prepared and properly disposed to partake in the Sacrament.
Christians during catechesis
Drawing from Canon 919 of the Code of Canon Law, Bishop Bibi advised the faithful to observe the Eucharistic fast of one hour before receiving Holy Communion. He concluded by noting that the Eucharist called Christians to manifest the love they had received and to bear fruits through proper witnessing in their daily lives.
