Since Pope Benedict XVI announced that the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin in June 2012, people have been asking "what exactly is a Eucharistic Congress and what is its purpose?"
A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to
promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church
Help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy
Draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist
The Congress normally takes place every four years. The daily celebration of the Eucharist is at the very heart of the Congress. The wider programme of the Congress includes other liturgical events, cultural events, catechesis and testimonies, and workshops during the week of the Congress. The most recent Congress was held in Quebec in 2008 and was a source of encouragement and renewal for the many thousands who took part.
Most people in Ireland are familiar with the fact that a Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland in 1932. Our parents and grand-parents speak of it as a significant event in their own experience of Church. Since we started preparing for the Congress, people from all over Ireland and even further afield have sent us a wide range of memorabilia relating to the 1932 Congress, some of which will be on display at a special exhibition in 2012.
Archbishop Piero Marini, President of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, explains in greater detail the meaning of a Eucharistic Congress in his address to the Irish Catholic Bishop’s’ Conference in June 2009: The Shape, Significance & Ecclesial Impact of Eucharistic Congresses.
Congress website for more information : www.iec2012.ie
The Catholic church in Ireland is marking the one year count down to next year's International Congress by hosting a National Eucharistic Congress which took place in Knock on Saturday (25.6.11). Thousands of people took part from parishes all over the country. During the mass a Eucharistic candle was blessed and lit for each of the 26 dioceses. These will be taken back to diocesan cathedral's for a local celebration on Sunday the feast of Corpus Christi. Cardinal Sean Brady was the principal presider and preached the homily at the mass. The Knock youth festival also took place this weekend which included workshops, prayer and a concert with Elation ministries. Picture shows the scene at the mass in Knock on Saturday. Picture by John Mc Elroy.