Adoremus: Fr Dominic Robinson reflects on Eucharist as sacrament of unity

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Source: Jesuit News

Adoremus, the National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage in Liverpool.offered a unique occasion to reflect on the Eucharist, connect with organisations around the world, and listen to wide-ranging talks by international speakers. Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Superior of the Mount Street Jesuit community, was at the event to give a presentation on the Eucharist as the sacrament of unity. The talk was organised in conjunction with the National Ecumenical Office in England and Wales.

The Congress was attended by representatives from the Methodist Church, the Church of England, and the Salvation Army, in addition to guests from other churches and traditions as well. "This particular presentation," commented Fr Dominic "together with the presence of these representatives, was really important, because above all the Eucharist is the sign of our communion, our being unity with Christ."

The programme of Adoremus included two addresses by Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and founder of the media organisation Word on Fire.

On Saturday 8th September, Fr Dominic was invited to comment on the morning session in an interview with Shalom TV, who was covering the Congress. "It was a wonderful privilege to be here and to attend this really inspiring presentation" Fr Dominic said. With the interviewer, they then went through the different parts of Barron's first address, beginning with the Bishop's introduction, which connected both with the spiritual and uplifting gathering of Adoremus as well as with popular culture.

Talking about the introductory rites, Bishop Barron described how music, the accompaniment by song, is not merely a decorative element. "It is the explanation of the name for this weekend, ad-oratio, mouth to mouth, the praise to God, which brings together all the saints and the angels" commented Fr Dominic.

Among other highlights from the address, there was the Eucharistic moment. "The Sacrificial element is very important…but God doesn't need our sacrifice: we respond to what God has shown to us in his love and in his mercy. When the priest moves from the Third Person to the First Person, it is the power of God: that it is the power of Christ, truly present."

Another focal point to pay attention to was the dismissal at the end of the Mass. "God gratuitously, freely gives himself so that we may Christify the world. 'Do this in memory of me'. In the Scripture, there is no calling without being sent out."

Bishop Robert Barron is well known for his use of the latest digital tools, including a very active presence on social media. Asked by Shalom TV's presenter about the evangelisation through modern channels, Fr Dominic pointed at the real winning factor of Barron's communication. "He seems to use social media incredibly well, but I don't think it is so much about the means. It is actually how he - it is called Word of Fire, indeed - is on fire with faith, and how he conveys that in an accessible way. He puts that in a way that inspires, captures people's imagination and interest.

"Maybe we can learn something perhaps about how we speak of our faith. And I think that is for everyone, for priests, for bishops, for everyone who is here at this weekend: it's about how they actually speak about their faith and don't be frightened to speak about their faith."

Watch the full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqMOcE5oPQk