Introduction

On June 10, 2004 John Paul II announced “a Special Year of the Eucharist." It began with the World Eucharistic Congress, which took place from October 10. to October 17, 2004 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will end with the next Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, that will be held in the Vatican from October 2. to October 29, 2005."  Resonating with the Holy Father’s appeal that by “looking at Mary, we will understand better the transforming power that the Eucharist possesses. Listening to her, we will find in the Eucharistic Mystery the courage and energy to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to serve him in the brethren.” The Mary Page introduces a new feature highlighting the intimate relationship of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Eucharist.

In the weeks and months to come we will be offering to our readers John Paul II's thoughts about Mary and the Eucharist as it is expressed in his recent encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (4/17/2003), especially in chapter 6:  At the School of Mary, "Woman of the Eucharist" (art. 53-58).