QUEBEC,QC,CA –Amidst the growing excitement associated with World Youth Day in Sydney later this summer, many are not aware of another great international celebration taking place in North America. The 49th International Eucharistic Congress begins in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on June 15 and runs through June 22. This event is yet another living memorial to Pope John Paul II as it was he who at the closing mass of the 48th Eucharistic Congress in Guadalajara 2004 invited the world to Quebec City. A measure of the importance of the event came earlier this month with the announcement of Pope Benedict XVI’s Mission Prayer Intention for June, “That the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec may lead to greater understanding that the Eucharist is the heart of the Church and the source of evangelization.”
The Pope’s prayer underlines the significance of the Congress Theme: “The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World.”
The International Congress traces its history to Lille, France in 1881 where it was initiated by Bishop Gaston de Ségur. In a political climate that was increasingly secular and anti-Catholic, he boldly encouraged deeper meditation on the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.
With no less enthusiasm and courage, the people of Canada and especially Quebec prepare to welcome the world. Each day throughout the week will begin with a plenary session involving catecheses from some of the world’s great scholars including Archbishop Wuerl of Washington and Cardinal Barbarin of Lyon. Punctuating the universal nature of the congress and the Church, sessions will be conducted by Cardinals from Africa, Asia and India.
In the afternoon, delegates will break into language groups in locations throughout the city to attend workshops that will illuminate the morning teachings. Each evening offers events where the faithful come together again in prayer, adoration, procession and celebration. Here, Christ (in what Pope John Paul II referred to as the School of the Eucharist), will reveal Himself to His people.
On Sunday June 22, 2008, the Congress comes to a close with an outdoor Mass during which Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to deliver the homily via satellite. This Mass will take place on the Plains of Abraham, scene of the decisive battle in 1759 where the British wrested control of Canada from the French.
The 49th International Eucharistic Congress marks only the 2nd time that the Congress has been held in Canada. It comes to Quebec as the City celebrates the 400th year of its founding and the establishment of the oldest diocese in North America outside of Mexico.
Catholic Exchange will publish reports from the Congress periodically throughout the week.
