Next week, from Sunday, June 15 through Sunday, June 22, 2008, thousands of Catholics from around the world will gather in Quebec City for the 2008 Eucharistic Congress. This international gathering will draw pilgrims from around the world. This is only the second Eucharistic Congress held in Canada. The first one occurred in Montreal in 1910.
The first Eucharistic Congress was held in 1881 in France with about 300 pilgrims attending. Attendance at modern-day congresses usually range up to 15,000 people. The theme of this congress is: The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World.
Going on a pilgrimage is not as common to Catholics in the US as it is to Catholics in other countries, especially European countries. But that is exactly what the Congress invites everyone to do. According to the official website, an International Eucharistic Congress “is a gathering of the Universal Church to celebrate Jesus alive and present in the Eucharist… With the approval of the Pope, a diocesan Church invites other Churches to a unique time of prayer, reflection and commitment.” Not a bad way to spend vacation time.
For those who have participated in one of the World Youth Days held in the last few decades, some of the events and schedules will be familiar. Each day there will be a catechesis session and also a Mass on the day’s theme. Participants will gather in parish churches, grouped by language, to socialize, share and pray.
The schedule also includes public celebrations, prayer vigils, processions, cultural and artistic events, and charitable work. In addition, pilgrims will be invited to tour the rich religious heritage of the city of Quebec. The closing Mass will be held on the Plains of Abraham, a beautiful park-like setting overlooking the river.
To learn more about the Congress, to register, or to view events during the week, go to the official 2008 Eucharistic Congress site.
Posted by APWeb 
