In the Beginning
Eucharistic congresses began during the second half of the 19th century in France. This was thanks to the incentive taken by a lay-woman, Emilie Tamisier (1834 – 1910), who under the inspiration of St. Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868), called the "Apostle of the Eucharist", organized the first International Eucharistic Congress at Lille.
This undertaking, in which she was assisted by other lay persons, priests and bishops, received the blessing of Pope Leo XIII. The theme of this congress was "The Eucharist Saves the World." It was believed in fact that a renewal of faith in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist would provide the remedy for ignorance and religious indifference.
Lively Faith in the Real Presence Inspired First Congresses
The first congresses were inspired by a lively faith in the Real Presence of the person of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist. As a consequence, Eucharistic worship was expressed particularly in solemn adoration and in grand processions intended to celebrate the triumph of the Eucharist.
Following the decrees of Pope St Pius X on frequent communion, Sacra Tridentina Synodus (1905), and on the communion of children, Quam singularis (1910), the preparation and celebration of congresses were occasions for fostering the frequent communion of adults and the first communion of children.
International Scope Focusing on Re-evangelization
During the pontificate of Pius XI Eucharistic congresses became international in that they began to be celebrated in turn in all the continents.
They thus took on a missionary dimension and were focused on "re-evangelization" (an expression used for the grass-roots preparation at the Congress of Manila in 1937).
Beginning with the 37th Congress celebrated at Munich in 1960, International Eucharistic Congresses came to be called statio orbis (following the proposal of the well-known liturgist Josef Jungmann, SJ), with the celebration of the Eucharist seen as the center and summit of all the various expressions and forms of Eucharistic devotion.
Later, the Second Vatican Council's Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium of 1963, the instruction Eucharisticum Mysterium of 1967 (n. 67) and in a particular way the Roman Ritual De sacra communione et de cultu mysterii eucaristici extra Missam of 1973 (nn. 109-112), explained the new image and pointed out the criteria to be observed in the preparation and celebration of Eucharistic congresses, which from that time on gave attention to the problems of the contemporary world, to ecumenism and also in their preparation to inter-religious dialogue.
Some Questions about Eucharistic Congresses
1. What is a Eucharistic Congress?
Eucharistic Congress should be considered according to the Roman Ritual De comunione et de cultu mysterii eucaristici extra missam (1973) n. 109, "as a gathering (station) to which a local church invites the other churches of the same region or of the same nation or of the whole world."
2. Who can convoke a Eucharistic Congress?
The Holy Father convokes an International Eucharistic Congress at the place proposed by a local Ordinary (Bishop) or by an Episcopal Conference. Even Bishops can convoke diocesan or national Eucharistic Congresses in their dioceses or respective countries.
The Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses encourage, among other objectives, the celebration of national, diocesan, inter-diocesan and parish Eucharistic Congresses, which can possibly have an ecumenical and inter-religious dimension.
3. What are the ends or purposes of the Eucharistic Congress?
With the support of episcopal conferences and local bishops, national and diocesan delegates " and national committees, where set up " engage in fostering or taking those initiatives that, in accordance with the Church's present norms, have the scope of increasing understanding and participation in the Eucharistic Mystery in all its aspects: from the celebration to worship extra missam (outside of Mass; e.g., adoration of the Real Presence in Adoration), so that its influence permeates the whole of personal and social living.
4. What are the essential features that constitute the celebration of a Eucharistic Congress?
The Roman Ritual points out in No. 112 that the center of every Eucharistic Congress is the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the whole Christian life. The celebration of the Word of God and talks can contribute to examining the various aspects of the Eucharistic Mystery " aspects that are suggested by the theme of the Congress. The possibility of praying in common and of adoring the Blessed Sacrament in designated churches contributes to interiorizing these themes. Finally, Eucharistic processions can help to express a public and ritual dimension to the faith in the Eucharist, which is celebrated, reflected upon and re-affirmed during the Congress.
5. How long does a Eucharistic Congress last?
According to needs, resources and circumstances, a Eucharistic Congress can take place for a day or last for many days. When resources are limited, many dioceses can unite in a common celebration to employ their resources in the most effective manner.
I, Bishop Yanta, wish to thank all who are promoting our Eucharistic Congress 2006. Upon an anticipated fruitful, grace-filled Congress this year, we will prepare in prayer and plans with the Holy Spirit for our Eucharistic Congress 2010.
