What is an International Eucharistic Congress?

It is a gathering of the Universal Church to celebrate Jesus alive and present in the Eucharist, source and summit of evangelization and center of the Church’s life. With the approval of the Pope, a diocesan Church invites other Churches to a unique time of prayer, reflection and commitment.

Have there been many Eucharistic Congresses in Canada?

Only one other International Eucharistic Congress took place in Canada, in Montreal in 1910. However, there have been many parish, regional and national congresses, one of which occurred in Quebec City in 1938, but none since Vatican II.

Does a Eucharistic Congress require a long preparation?

The preparation is as important as the celebration. This preparation presupposes a deepened understanding of the Eucharistic mystery through catecheses, fervent celebration of the liturgy, and a search for solidarity and sharing initiatives to help fraternal relationships grow. That spiritual preparation nurtures the fruits of the Spirit operating in the Church.

What will happen during the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress?

A preliminary program will be presented in May 2008. Here are some indications:

Each day, a catechesis and a solemn Eucharistic liturgy will help to deepen understanding of the general Congress theme and daily themes.
Congress pilgrims speaking various languages will gather in parish churches to socialize, share and pray with members of those Christian communities.
Public celebrations will include a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, a Young Adult Prayer Vigil, a Family Weekend Program, and also artistic and cultural activities.
A charitable work, which for years to come will witness to the fruits of the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress, will be inaugurated on June 20th.
Quebec’s religious heritage will be highlighted by pilgrimages and guided tours.

When and where will these events take place?

The 2008 International Eucharistic Congress will occur from June 15 to 22, 2008. The main venue will be the city’s fair grounds, “ExpoCité”, which will be named “Eucharistic City” for the occasion. The Closing Eucharist will be celebrated on the Plains of Abraham. Some gatherings will also be held in certain churches.

What is the theme of the 2008 Congress?

“The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World”

Who is in charge of its organization?

By right, Quebec’s Archbishop is President of the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress. He set up a Planning Committee to oversee its main directions and major decisions.

How is a Eucharistic Congress financed?

The main sources of revenue are: the registration fees of Congress pilgrims; donations from communities and religious movements and institutions; contributions from the three levels of government; a public fundraising campaign; and donations via the internet. A corporation manages the budget in a strict and efficient way.

The Canadian Bishops accepted to hold a collection during the 2007 and 2008 Corpus Christi celebrations. Moreover, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has donated one million dollars.