MANILA, Feb. 4, 2015—The Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) has formally launched its preparatory activities for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) slated early next year, aiming to spiritually prepare the faithful by renewing their understanding and celebration of the Eucharist in their daily lives.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle (Photo: CBCPNews)
Eucharist in daily life
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle proposed three key actions to spiritually prepare the faithful for the upcoming congress: embark on an archdiocesan catechesis; conduct gatherings for member dioceses; and raise funds to support congress events.
“The International Eucharistic Congress deepens our awareness of the centrality of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church,” Tagle said in a pastoral letter released Jan. 24.
The prelate added that the faithful’s “renewed understanding and celebration of the Eucharist would hopefully impel (them) to work for the transformation of society.”
The IEC, which will be held in the Archdiocese of Cebu on Jan. 24 to 31 next year, is expected to draw 15,000 individuals from all over the world. It is held every four years and is considered to be one of the biggest gatherings of the Catholic Church.
Key actions
With a year to prepare for the actual congress, the archdiocese will facilitate catechesis on the Eucharist in families, parishes, communities, and schools. It will also hold an archdiocesan gathering centering on the Eucharist and the poor.
RCAM will conduct fund raising campaigns to support congress events in Cebu. Fund-raising activities will be conducted in two modes—through collection boxes dubbed as “Piso para sa Misa ng Mundo” to be distributed in parishes and schools, and through other fund generation activities meant to support chosen delegates from the poor sectors of the archdiocese.
“We hope these actions could also translate the blessings of the recent visit of Pope Francis into a profound Eucharistic spirituality and service of the poor,” Tagle said.
IEC 2016, themed “Christ in you, our hope of glory”, marks the second time that the congress will be held in the country. The Philippines first hosted it in 1937.
“We enjoin everyone to prepare for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Christ is in you, He is our hope of glory,” Tagle added. (Jennifer M. Orillaza/CBCP News)
