On the Eucharist:
"The Eucharist, as Christ's saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession which the church can have in her journey through history. This explains the lively concern she has always shown for the Eucharistic mystery."
On bad practices:
"In various parts of the church abuses have occurred, leading to confusion with regard to sound faith and Catholic doctrine concerning this wonderful sacrament. At times one encounters an extremely reductive understanding of the Eucharistic mystery. Stripped of its sacrificial meaning, it is celebrated as if it were simply a fraternal banquet... How can we not express profound grief at all this? The Eucharist is too great a gift to tolerate ambiguity and depreciation."
On other churches:
"The Catholic faithful... while respecting the religious convictions of these separated brethren, must refrain from receiving the communion distributed in their celebrations, so as not to condone an ambiguity about the nature of the Eucharist and, consequently, to fail in their duty to bear clear witness to the truth. This would result in slowing the progress being made towards full visible unity."
On sharing communion:
"Intercommunion... remains impossible until the visible bonds of ecclesial communion are fully re-established. These conditions ... must be carefully respected... And the opposite is also true: Catholics may not receive communion in those communities which lack a valid sacrament of orders."
On the laity:
"When, due to the scarcity of priests, non- ordained members of the faithful are entrusted with a share in the pastoral care of a parish, they should bear in mind that - as the Second Vatican Council teaches - "no Christian community can be built up unless it has its basis and centre in the celebration of the most Holy Eucharist".
On the future:
"It is my hope that the present encyclical letter will effectively help to banish the dark clouds of unacceptable doctrine and practice, so that the Eucharist will continue to shine forth in all its radiant mystery."