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 Homepage | The person | The family | The friends | Sitemap | Search | Contact  News Français | English | Español |  PrintReceiving the Eucharist  Receiving the Eucharist: persons with an intellectual disability have a right to it and need it. In October 2005, Marie-Hélène Mathieu was invited by Pope Benedict XVI to take part in the Synod on the Eucharist. The intervention of Marie-Hélène at the time of this Synod has contributed to the insertion of a small paragraph into the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation, which clearly states the importance of fully implementing measures so that persons with an intellectual disability are considered as fully-fledged Christians who need to have their spiritual life nourished. Carried by the faith of the families, communities and our parish priests, persons with an intellectual disability are no longer able to be excluded from the Eucharistic communion because of our doubts and our lack of faith. In paragraph 58 of the text, Pope Benedict XVI clarifies: ‘Particular attention needs to be given to the disabled. When their condition so permits, the Christian community should make it possible for them to attend the place of worship. Buildings should be designed to provide ready access to the disabled. Finally, whenever possible, Eucharistic communion should be made available to the mentally handicapped, if they are baptised and confirmed: they receive the Eucharist in the faith also of the family or the community that accompanies them.’ Integral text ‘Sacramentum Caritatis’  , Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation from Pope Benedict XVI on the Eucharist, the source and summit of the life and mission of the ChurchParticipation of Marie-Hélène Mathieu in the Synod on the Eucharist in October 2005, interview. |
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