What do you think?
Rate this book
Encyclicals & Exhortations of Benedict XVI
Exhortación Apostólica postsinodal "Sacrametum Caritatis"
Sacramento de la caridad, la Santísima Eucaristía es el don que Jesucristo hace de sí mismo, revelándonos el amor infinito de Dios por cada hombre. En este admirable Sacramento se manifiesta el amor « más grande », aquel que impulsa a « dar la vida por los propios amigos » (cf. Jn 15,13). En efecto, Jesús « los amó hasta el extremo » (Jn 13,1).
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
16 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
943 books946 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 22, 2023
5/5 ⭐
“« la mejor catequesis sobre la Eucaristía es la Eucaristía misma bien celebrada”
🛐¡Por fin!🙏(de todas las encíclicas, documentos, exhortaciones que vengo leyendo -NO ME ESTOY JACTANDO, leo para aprender y de curiosa que soy-) ésta es la primera que destaca la importancia de la 1ra Comunión.🙏(que desde lo personal es el recuerdo que tengo)
🛐 Publicada el 22 de Febrero, fiesta de la Cátedra del Apóstol san Pedro, del año 2007, segundo del Pontificado de Benedicto XVI es lo primero que leo de éste Papa e inmediatamente descubrí que fue diferente a Juan Pablo II y al actual Papa Francisco. En ésta exhortación postsinodal leo a un Benedicto XVI muy …¿conservador, tradicional? No sé si esas serían las palabras pero ahora entiendo por qué en las redes sociales católicos tradicionalistas no reconocían a Francisco como Papa y seguían sosteniendo que el Papa continuaba siendo Benedicto XVI. De modo que no sé qué pensar del estilo de escritura del Papa Benedicto.
🛐 Me ha gustado muchísimo como Benedicto XVI aborda las múltiples facetas y profundidades que tiene la Eucaristía. Realmente hay mucha información en este documento. Se lee rápido pero es difícil comprenderlo todo con una sola lectura. Yo decidí leerlo por recomendación de quién fue mí guía espiritual para tener un aprendizaje más de la eucaristía.
🛐En cuanto a literatura teológica por momentos me pareció profunda y por supuesto es pastoral y no solo va dirigida a Obispos, sacerdotes, consagrados y diáconos, sino también al fiel laico que en mí opinión tiene mucho por conocer de jesús eucaristía.
🛐 Algunos temas se me hizo difícil comprender, sobre todo porque contiene palabras en latín pero es una exhortación que enseña de la eucaristía y su relación con el amor cristiano. La eucaristía no está separada de la liturgia, ni del matrimonio, ni del orden sacerdotal. Por el contrario, en El Sacramento de la Caridad (Sacramentum Caritatis) explora el misterio de la fe eucarística y cómo revela el misterio de la Trinidad. A lo largo de tres partes y una conclusión el Santo Padre examina la importante relación entre la Eucaristía y los demás sacramentos, incluido el sacramento de la Iglesia. También destaca las implicaciones sociales de la Eucaristía y la conecta firmemente con la enseñanza social de la Iglesia.
“« la mejor catequesis sobre la Eucaristía es la Eucaristía misma bien celebrada”
🛐¡Por fin!🙏(de todas las encíclicas, documentos, exhortaciones que vengo leyendo -NO ME ESTOY JACTANDO, leo para aprender y de curiosa que soy-) ésta es la primera que destaca la importancia de la 1ra Comunión.🙏(que desde lo personal es el recuerdo que tengo)
🛐 Publicada el 22 de Febrero, fiesta de la Cátedra del Apóstol san Pedro, del año 2007, segundo del Pontificado de Benedicto XVI es lo primero que leo de éste Papa e inmediatamente descubrí que fue diferente a Juan Pablo II y al actual Papa Francisco. En ésta exhortación postsinodal leo a un Benedicto XVI muy …¿conservador, tradicional? No sé si esas serían las palabras pero ahora entiendo por qué en las redes sociales católicos tradicionalistas no reconocían a Francisco como Papa y seguían sosteniendo que el Papa continuaba siendo Benedicto XVI. De modo que no sé qué pensar del estilo de escritura del Papa Benedicto.
🛐 Me ha gustado muchísimo como Benedicto XVI aborda las múltiples facetas y profundidades que tiene la Eucaristía. Realmente hay mucha información en este documento. Se lee rápido pero es difícil comprenderlo todo con una sola lectura. Yo decidí leerlo por recomendación de quién fue mí guía espiritual para tener un aprendizaje más de la eucaristía.
🛐En cuanto a literatura teológica por momentos me pareció profunda y por supuesto es pastoral y no solo va dirigida a Obispos, sacerdotes, consagrados y diáconos, sino también al fiel laico que en mí opinión tiene mucho por conocer de jesús eucaristía.
🛐 Algunos temas se me hizo difícil comprender, sobre todo porque contiene palabras en latín pero es una exhortación que enseña de la eucaristía y su relación con el amor cristiano. La eucaristía no está separada de la liturgia, ni del matrimonio, ni del orden sacerdotal. Por el contrario, en El Sacramento de la Caridad (Sacramentum Caritatis) explora el misterio de la fe eucarística y cómo revela el misterio de la Trinidad. A lo largo de tres partes y una conclusión el Santo Padre examina la importante relación entre la Eucaristía y los demás sacramentos, incluido el sacramento de la Iglesia. También destaca las implicaciones sociales de la Eucaristía y la conecta firmemente con la enseñanza social de la Iglesia.
February 5, 2019
This post-synodal apostolic exhortation was a good read in book format. There is much to contemplate on in regards to the Eucharist. I particularly appreciated the weight of importance in our lives conveyed by our participation in public worship and the sacredness of receiving Holy Communion.
Recommended for educational and devotional reading.
Recommended for educational and devotional reading.
May 15, 2025
Sacramentum Caritatis, or the sacrament of charity, or love, is a book about the ‘source and summit’ of the Catholic church’s mission, the Eucharist. Pope Benedict XIV writes: ‘the Eucharist is at the root of every form of holiness’.
In this book he explores all facets of Holy Communion, including: the proper design and layout of churches, putting the tabernacle, altar, and celebrant’s chair in places of prominence; the importance of art as a way to express the awesomeness of God and help worshippers focus their minds; and reaching out to poorer communities and those suffering from religious persecution.
For both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, his explanation of the Eucharist, in which bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ though Eucharistic prayer, offer in as much as is possible deeper knowledge of ‘a reality which surpasses all human understanding’.
This book certainly helped me appreciate many of the aspects of the Mass and Holy Communion that make a tremendous impression on the spirit but can often go unexplained. As always Pope Benedict’s catechism provides answers, with his writing characterised by a towering intellect and rigorous theological argument.
In this book he explores all facets of Holy Communion, including: the proper design and layout of churches, putting the tabernacle, altar, and celebrant’s chair in places of prominence; the importance of art as a way to express the awesomeness of God and help worshippers focus their minds; and reaching out to poorer communities and those suffering from religious persecution.
For both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, his explanation of the Eucharist, in which bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ though Eucharistic prayer, offer in as much as is possible deeper knowledge of ‘a reality which surpasses all human understanding’.
This book certainly helped me appreciate many of the aspects of the Mass and Holy Communion that make a tremendous impression on the spirit but can often go unexplained. As always Pope Benedict’s catechism provides answers, with his writing characterised by a towering intellect and rigorous theological argument.
February 18, 2019
As always with Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger), this is well written, substantive, and helpful. It is richly theological but also pastoral and practical throughout. Though there are some key points that I must obviously disagree with, the vast majority of this little book is exquisitely evangelical and spot on the mark. It was a quick read, but lots to chew on and consider carefully. Well worth the time.
January 28, 2021
Cet livre était très bon... Le Pape Benoît parle sur l'Eucharistie et comment elle est le source et sommet de nos vies - comme un don de Dieu pour nous aider et nos frères et sœurs à atteindre le Ciel. Il parle des choses plus spirituelles et aussi des choses plus pratiques. Je le recommande.
January 7, 2020
No entendí ni madres
April 4, 2020
Short but great book on the Eucharist!
April 19, 2022
Vote: 4,00
Class: P-A1 (FP)
(Esortazione apostolica post sinodale)
Profonda e interessante spiegazione e significato del mistero Eucaristico. Chiarissima raccolta delle norme attuali riguardanti il Sacramento dell'Eucarestia a 45 anni dal Concilio Vaticano II.
Pone chiarezza su molte questioni sulle quali ancora si trovano interpretazioni non corrette delle indicazioni del Concilio Vaticano II circa la Sacra Liturgia.
Lettura interessante e importante per un cattolico che voglia avere le idee chiare in materia.
(2)Nel Sacramento dell’altare, il Signore viene incontro all'uomo, creato ad immagine e somiglianza di Dio, facendosi suo compagno di viaggio. In questo Sacramento, infatti, il Signore si fa cibo per l’uomo affamato di verità e di libertà. Poiché solo la verità può renderci liberi davvero, Cristo si fa per noi cibo di Verità.
Class: P-A1 (FP)
(Esortazione apostolica post sinodale)
Profonda e interessante spiegazione e significato del mistero Eucaristico. Chiarissima raccolta delle norme attuali riguardanti il Sacramento dell'Eucarestia a 45 anni dal Concilio Vaticano II.
Pone chiarezza su molte questioni sulle quali ancora si trovano interpretazioni non corrette delle indicazioni del Concilio Vaticano II circa la Sacra Liturgia.
Lettura interessante e importante per un cattolico che voglia avere le idee chiare in materia.
(2)Nel Sacramento dell’altare, il Signore viene incontro all'uomo, creato ad immagine e somiglianza di Dio, facendosi suo compagno di viaggio. In questo Sacramento, infatti, il Signore si fa cibo per l’uomo affamato di verità e di libertà. Poiché solo la verità può renderci liberi davvero, Cristo si fa per noi cibo di Verità.
February 24, 2014
I'm still catching up on my religious reading (and all my other reading, but that's not important right now). Benedict again here focuses on the "Caritas" aspect of love. I think Paragraph 90 is a good example of how the transition from Pope Benedict XVI to Pope Francis does not represent the huge shift in philosophy it seems to be presented as at times. If you haven't read this, it may surprise you.
April 21, 2015
Really a lot of information in this document. It is difficult to comprehend it all with just one reading. I will be going back through it a few times! Good stuff, especially if you like Pope Benedict's style of writing.
October 24, 2016
"Each of us is truly called, together with Jesus, to be bread broken for the life of the world." - SC 88
July 28, 2011
Tremendous book by Benedict XVI on the many facets and depths of the Eucharist
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews