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Answers to frequently asked questions
1. What is an International Eucharistic Congress ?
2. Have there been many Eucharistic Congresses in our country ?
3. Does a Eucharistic Congress require a long preparation ?
4. What goes on during a Eucharistic Congress ?
5. Will the Pope be coming ?
6. What are the dates and the places of events ?
7. What is the theme ?
8. Who is responsible for the organisation ?
9. How is all this financed ?
10. Where can one find the most recent information and how can one register ?
1. What is an International Eucharistic Congress ?
It is a gathering of the universal Church, in order to celebrate Jesus living and present in the Eucharist, the source and summit of evangelisation and centre of the life of the Church. A diocesan Church invites other Churches, with the approval of the Pope, to this time of prayer, of reflection and of commitment.
2. Have there been many Eucharistic Congresses in our country ?
Only one other International Congress took place in Montreal in 1910. However, parochial, regional or national Eucharistic Congresses have been held frequently until the early 1960s; our memories therefore are from a period before Vatican II Council. After the Council, the program of an Eucharistic Congress has emphasized catechesis, a link between Eucharistic adoration and celebration, the participation of all Christian people and the bond between the Eucharist and commitment in the world. These are the points to be stressed at our congress and that is our challenge.
3. Does a Eucharistic Congress require a long preparation ?
It is important to insist on the spiritual preparation if we want the Eucharistic Congress to be successfull. This preparation includes a deepening of the Eucharistic mystery by catechisation,, a fervent celebration of the Liturgy and the search for initiatives of solidarity and sharing that will increase fraternal relations.
4. What goes on during a Eucharistic Congress ?
Each day, a solemn Eucharistic liturgy is celebrated and a catechesis helps to deepen the theme of the congress.
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Congress delegates are separated according to language and meet in parochial churches where they exchange views and pray with parishioners.
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Public celebrations take place, including a procession of the Blessed Sacrament and an event for young people.
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Artistic and cultural activities are scheduled.
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A social work, destined for the needy, is inaugurated during the congress.
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A family activity is planned for our congress.
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In addition, religious heritage will be emphasised by pilgrimages and by guided and commented visits.
5. Will the Pope be coming ?
In 1964, Paul VI started the custom that the Pope comes to conclude the Eucharistic Congress by a solemn Mass. John Paul II continued along the same lines, despite his health problems that prevented him from participating on two occasions. Benedict XVI has told Archbishop Ouellet that he hopes to come. The final decision should be made in 2007.
6. What are the dates and the places of events ?
The Eucharistic Congress will take place June 15 to 22nd, 2008.
The central venue for activities will be the Centre of Fairs at Expocité, the capacity of which will be increased before 2007.
The closing mass will be celebrated on the Plains of Abraham.
Linguistic groups will meet in various churches in the heart of the city.
7. What is the theme ?
The Eucharist, God's gift for the life of the world.
The logo is formed by a cross which divides the body of Christ into four parts, whence the notion of the Eucharistic sharing, of bread broken as well as a reference to the four cardinal points of the earth.
In its lines, the logo represents a stylised boat, symbol of the universal Church, and also symbol of Québec City, since it was via the river that faith was implanted in Québec.
The lines refer to water, mixed with wine.
8. Who is responsible for the organisation ?
By rights, the Archbishop is president of the Eucharistic congress. An
organising committee oversees, with him, its general orientation and major decisions.
The general secretariat, responsible for its implementation, is presently composed of three persons and collaborates with six principal committees. A team of sixty volunteers who offer their various talents is already at work.
9. How is all this financed ?
The principal sources of revenue are : registration fees of participants, gifts from communities, religious movements and institutions, contributions from three levels of government and a public fundraising campaign. A corporation has been formed to control the budget strictly and efficiently.
Canadian bishops have agreed to hold a special collection for the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2007 and 2008.
In addition, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has donated one million dollars. This constitutes a strong encouragement and we are very grateful to them.
10. Where can one find the most recent information and how can one register ?
It is possible to consult the website or to communicate with the Secretariat of the Eucharistic congress :
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Jean Picher, priest (418) 688-1211 - 268
(general secretary)
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Doris Lamontagne pfm (418) 688-1211 - 294
(assistant general secretary)
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Claudette Vallières (418) 688 -1211 - 201
(secretary)
Registration period for the Congress should start in January 2007.
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