Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quebec City (Agenzia Fides) – All the preparations have been made for the celebration os the 49th International Eucharistic Congress which will take place from June 15 to the 22 in Canada’s Quebec City, with the theme: “The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World.” Cardinal Jozef Tomko, President emeritus of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses has been named the envoy of the Holy See, to represent Benedict XVI at the Congress.
According to the official program, the Congress will begin on Sunday, June 15, at 3pm with a historic presentation and at 3:40, the Ark of the New Covenant will enter. The Ark began its pilgrimage on May 11, 2006 in Rome, with the Pope’s blessing, in the presence of all the Bishops of Quebec (see Fides 10/5/2006). It is a spiritual symbol on the way of preparing for the International Eucharistic Congress. Since then, it has been on pilgrimage, passing through over 70 Canadian diocese to announce the Congress and inform the local communities as to its contents and purpose. During the pilgrimage, it has been always accompanied by 12 pilgrims, symbolizing the 12 apostles. At 3:55 will be the Mass, followed by a performance by Gen Verde. This same evening, the various sites of Eucharistic Adoration during the Congress will be opened.
During the days that follow, there will be talks, workshops, Masses, and Eucharistic Adoration. On June 16, the theme will be: “The Eucharist, Gift of God Par Excellence,” with a talk by Archbishop Donald William Wuerl of Washington (USA). On Tuesday, the theme is: “The Eucharist, Memorial of the Paschal Mystery” and the talk will be given by Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon and Primate of France. On Wednesday, the theme is: The Eucharist Builds up the Church, the Sacrament of Salvation,” with a talk given by Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina. Thursday, the theme is: The Eucharist, the Life of Christ in our Lives” and the talk will be given by Bishop Louis Antonio G. Tagle of Imus, Philippines. On Friday, the theme is: “The Eucharist and Missions,” with a talk by Cardinal Télésphore Placidus Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, India. On Saturday, the theme is: “Witnesses to the Eucharist in the Midst of the World,” with a talk by Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi, Archbishop of Doula, Cameroon.
On Thursday, there will be a Mass at 4:00pm, followed by Adoration and at 7:00om there will be a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Quebec City. This public activity will allow pilgrims and participants of the Congress to meet with the citizens of Quebec City. Some 15,000 people are expected to take part in the procession, which will be led by a vehicle carrying the Blessed Sacrament and enormous banners and giants will accompany the marchers. These representations of saints and blesseds from Quebec will highlight the Catholic Church of Quebec’s contribution to the city’s development. There will be various stops along the way.
On Friday, there will be a presentation of the Cardinal Marc Ouellet Foundation, allowing participants to see, in a concrete manner, ahead of time, the fruits of the Congress for persons in need. The Cardinal Marc Ouellet Foundation is a social work linked to the 49th Eucharistic Congress. The foundation supports organizations that help immigrants and refugees to improve their integration in the area of Quebec. On the occasion, Cardinal Ouellet will make a donation of $10,000 and invite businesspersons above all, but the public as well, to make generous contributions to the cause. On Sunday, June 22, there will be a closing Mass celebrated at 11:00am, with the homily given by the Holy Father Benedict XVI from Rome via satellite.
The Congress also coincides with the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Quebec City, the oldest episcopal see in North America, after that of Mexico. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 13/6/2008)
