Type: | exhortation |
Sacramentum caritatis | |
Language: | Latin |
Translation: | The Sacrament of Charity |
Argument: | sacrament of the Eucharis |
Papal Coat Of Arms: | Coat of Arms of Benedictus XVI.svg |
Date: | 22 February 2007 |
Pope: | Benedict XVI |
Number: | 1 of 4 |
Before: | Pastores gregis |
After: | Verbum Domini |
Web En: | http://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis.html |
Web La: | http://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/la/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis.html |
Sacramentum caritatis (The Sacrament of Charity) is the first post-synodal (Rome, October 2, 2005 – October 23, 2005) apostolic exhortation by Pope Benedict XVI. It was signed February 22, 2007.
The document expounded on the sacrament of the Eucharist. Following an introduction, it consisted of three parts, each presenting a different perspective of the Church's understanding of the Eucharist.
Pope Benedict examines the important relationship between the Eucharist and the other sacraments. He also highlights the social implications of the Eucharist and connects it with the Church's social teaching.[1] The document is divided in three parts revolving around the Eucharist as a mystery (1) to be believed, (2) to be celebrated, and (3) to be lived.
Benedict also expands on the relationship between the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance. "We know that the faithful are surrounded by a culture that tends to eliminate the sense of sin and to promote a superficial approach that overlooks the need to be in a state of grace in order to approach sacramental communion worthily. The loss of a consciousness of sin always entails a certain superficiality in the understanding of God's love. Bringing out the elements within the rite of Mass that express consciousness of personal sin and, at the same time, of God's mercy, can prove most helpful to the faithful."
Since the beauty of the Eucharist pertains directly to Christ in his person, it enables the participants a glimpse into the eschatological dimension inherent in the Eucharist as a pledge of future glory.