Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) – The National Eucharistic Congress, which opened yesterday, May 13, is part of the celebrations for the anniversary of the Archdiocese and for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Brasilia (see Fides 09/04/2010). In a press conference at the Brasilia metropolitan house for clergy, Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, Claudio Hummes, Special Envoy of the Holy Father, stressed the importance that the Pope has given to this 16th National Eucharistic Congress.
According to Cardinal Hummes, Pope Benedict XVI, on several occasions, in his homilies and in his audiences, has manifested his admiration for Brazil, not only as a country, but as an "example" of faith and Christianity. “The Holy Father has always shown a special relationship with Brazil. He speaks of it with great love and great affection - especially after the visit he made in 2007 to Aparecida, where he remained in Brazilian soil for several days. On that opportunity, he was able to witness the faith of the Brazilian people. I can testify: the visit deeply marked the sentiments of our Holy Father," said the Cardinal.
Referring to the National Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Hummes said the Brazilian people have always had a great enthusiasm for the Eucharist and the Eucharistic Congress is always a very strong moment for the countries that host it: "The entire Church in Brazil, its Catholic population, is felt present here in Brasilia. Here, the hearts of all Catholics unite. And with the Congress, we must lead society towards the great human values such as solidarity, social justice, and fraternal society. The Eucharistic Congress is a public expression [that invites us] to go out into the streets, making everyone involved in this event of this magnitude."
The Archbishop of Brasilia, Archbishop João Braz de Aviz, said that the 16th National Eucharistic Congress will also deal with social issues. A concrete example of this concern will be manifested in the Mass that Cardinal Hummes will celebrate today, Friday, May 14, with the workers of the paper collection in Brasilia. "These people are somehow excluded from our society, so we want to celebrate with them to strengthen our ties. We want to know how they are living, so we can understand, as a Church and as a society, their needs," said the Archbishop of Brasilia.
Some numbers concerning the 16th National Eucharistic Congress: about 100-150,000 people attend the Masses every day. Preparations for the Congress began three years ago; 38 monthly meetings of preparation were held and the event was organized by 5,000 people. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 14/05/2010)
