Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Divinópolis (Fides Service) - In the context of the Year of the Eucharist the diocese of Divinópolis, Brazil is holding its first diocesan Eucharistic Congress 19 to 23 October on the theme “Eucharist: source of ecclesial life”. The theme, drawn from the encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucaristia” indicates the aim of the Congress: to help the community “rediscover a sense of “being Church” though deeper understanding of the Eucharistic Mystery” according to local information sent to Fides. The Congress slogan, drawn from the Gospel passage about the disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24,13-35): “They recognised him in the breaking of the bread”, “expresses the desire to be a Church which is epiphany, manifestation of the Risen Lord. A Church which expresses the living presence of Jesus in the heart of the world through fraternal communion, sharing of the bread and a life of solidarity”.
The Congress programme, in keeping with its goal, includes meetings, prayers and sharing. The diocese is preparing for the Congress with intense prayer: on Wednesday 19 October members of religious congregations and seminaries will take part in the Eucharistic Prayer Vigil in Holy Spirit Cathedral. The Congress will open on 21 October with a solemn open-air Mass in the Cathedral square. Saturday 22 thematic meetings will be held in various venues. The same day at 9am every parish in the diocese will hold a Eucharistic Vigil for children; in the late afternoon it will be the turn of the sick and disabled to adore the Blessed Sacrament, in the evening a Youth Meeting. Sunday 23 October in the city sports stadium there will be the plenary assembly with representatives of parishes, pastoral sections, movements and Special Ministers of the Eucharist. At 1pm there will be Holy Hour at the Shrine of San Antonio with the Apostleship of Prayer and the solemn closing Mass at 3pm. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 3/10/2005, righe 24, parole 335)
