Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Murcia (Fides Service) - The 1st International University Eucharistic Congress to be held 9 to 13 November promoted by the San Antonio Catholic University in Murcia (UCAM) will reflect on the theme “The Eucharist, heart of Christian life and source of the evangelising mission of the Church”. The congress will be held at Jerónimos Monastery Building, UCAM, and a number of parishes and institutes in the region of Murcia.
Pope Benedict XVI, in a letter with which he appointed his Special Envoy to the congress in Murcia Cardinal Jozef Tomko President of the Pontifical Commission for Eucharistic Congresses, expressed his pleasure for this initiative which he said is an opportunity, “to confirm commitment to ensure the Eucharist is treated and considered at the maximum grade in the Church, in a special way when it is a question of cultivating the richness of an integral faith and sound devotion and to teach these with wisdom to young people”. The Pope asked his Envoy to share his words and wishes with the participants encouraging them to “render worthy and constant homage to Christ present in the Most Holy Eucharist; meditate, live and teach its singular importance in the life of Christians”.
The Congress will include conferences, catechesis, discussion on the Mystery of the Eucharist, and popular piety. There will be Mass and Adoration in various places, an exhibition on the Eucharist in Sacred Art a Concert of Church Music and a Music Festival with the participation of about 20 internationally famous artistes, alternated by testimonials of faith. A collection will be taken to help poor people in developing countries and the money will go to Peter’s Pence, the Pope‘s own fund.
Participants include besides Cardinal Jozef Tomko; Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy; Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples; Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family; Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, President of the Pontifical Council for health pastoral care; Cardinal Julián Herranz Casado, President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts; Cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid; Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo, archbishop of Seville; Cardinal Ricardo Mª Carles Gordó, emeritus archbishop of Barcelona; Cardinal Francisco Álvarez Martínez, emeritus archbishop of Toledo; Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, archbishop of Santo Domingo, 15 archbishops and 20 bishops and numerous priests and religious.
On Sunday 13 November the Congress will culminate with Mass and a procession with the Blessed Sacrament presided by Cardinal Jozef Tomko. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/11/2005, righe 36, parole 467)
