Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guadalajara (Fides Service) - “In this month of July about 400 students from the major seminary of Guadalajara archdiocese are working with parishes to provide intense animation activities to help rediscover awareness of the value of the Eucharist and renew belief and devotion to this Sacrament” Fr Francisco González, Prefect of Studies at San José Seminary Guadalajara told Fides. “Every morning in groups of about 20 to 40 the Seminarians set off to different parishes. From there in smaller groups they go to visit homes to pray and reflect with the family members according to a programme worked out previously with the parish priest. In the afternoons the seminarians animate meetings in the parish for children, married couples, young people: catechesis, games, moments of prayer and reflection on a particular aspect of the Eucharist following indications issued by the Congress’ Central Organising Committee with the help of handbooks and other especially prepared material”.
Father Antonio González Cornejo, Canon at Guadalajara cathedral and chaplain at the shrine of “San José de Gracia”, says that there is growing enthusiasm as the International Congress approaches. “There are many initiatives and activities at both parish and diocesan level- Father Antonio told Fides. Small Eucharistic Congresses are being organised all over Mexico for parishes or special groups like students, university teachers, catechists, married couples etc”. Recently at the Benito Juarez Auditorium in Guadalajara, some 4,000 catechists took part in a closing celebration for Eucharistic Congress of which the first part was held in the different parishes. The closing Mass was presided by Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez, Archbishop Guadalajara. Some 300 university students and teachers took part in a special Eucharistic Congress for their category at the shrine of “San José de Gracia”. Bishop Miguel Romano Gómez, Auxiliary of Guadalajara, gave the opening conference and then in small workgroups the participants reflected on various themes. The day long Congress closed with a Mass presided by Cardinal Sandoval Iñiguez.
Small Eucharistic congresses in parishes are drawing large crowds and bearing fruits of renewed devotion for the Blessed Sacrament and concrete commitment in parish activities, Father Francisco told Fides. Parish congresses usually last a week and include adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, masses in different parts of the parish, processions with the Blessed Sacrament, meetings and catechesis.
“The Siege of Jericho” is another initiative to encourage devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, which is drawing people all over Mexico. The initiative is based on the Bible story of the 7 day siege on Jericho (Joshua 6) which ends when the walls of the city fall. The parish holds seven days and nights of perpetual adoration during which the people are asked to pray that the Lord will break down the walls which prevent each person from living a truly Christian life. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2004; Righe 40 - Parole 528)
