Eucharistic Congress

It is eighty years since the Eucharistic Congress was last held in Ireland. The 1932 Congress was significant in many ways.  Though today it would be considered triumphalist, it is said that the Congress made a powerful contribution to healing the wounds of the civil war that had torn the country apart a few years previously.  There have been many changes over the intervening period. Nowadays the Eucharistic Congress is like a festival of faith. Consisting of seminars, concerts, workshops, exhibitions. The upshot of all this is that the 2012 Congress will be quite unlike that held eighty years ago.

What will the program for the congress consist of?  The main events of the Congress will take place in the RDS, with the closing ceremony in Croke Park on June 17th.  The RDS will be laid out as a "Eucharistic Village".  The central focus for each day will be the celebration of the Eucharist and a keynote address given by a visiting bishop or catechist invited by Archbishop Martin.  There will be testimonies given by lay people from around the world who have a story of faith to tell. Workshops in various languages as well as theatrical and musical performances, will be on offer throughout the week.  The Congress venue will also include a prayer space, a youth space and an exhibition space.  A more detailed program of activities will follow in the coming months as the program take shape. 

                                      Congress Prayer

Lord, Jesus, you were sent by the Father to gather together those who are scattered.  You came among us, doing good and bringing healing, announcing the Word of salvation and giving the Bread which lasts forever.  Be our companion on life's pilgrim way.

May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts, enliven our hope and open our minds, so that together with our sisters and brothers in faith we may recognize you in the Scriptures and in the breaking of bread. 

May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body and lead us to walk humbly on earth, in justice and love, as witnesses of your resurrection.

In communion with Mary, who you gave to us as our Mother, at the foot of the cross, through you, may all praise, honour and blessing be to the Father in the Holy Spirit and in the Church, now and forever. Amen.