What is the International Eucharistic Congress and what happens there?

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress is a week-long celebration of Eucharistic Faith in Dublin, Ireland, linking faith and culture, with a particular focus on the Communion and Community which we are called to through the Eucharist.

The key events of the Congress will include the daily sessions of teaching on the Faith given by bishops from different parts of the world, as well as testimonies offered by Christians who have a story of faith to share. There will also be many opportunities for Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Resources

In March 2009, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin established the Theological Commission, made up of experts in the fields of biblical studies, liturgy, theology, anthropology, pastoral theology and ecumenism, and entrusted them with the task of developing a document incorporating pastoral and theological reflections which would provide the basis for an appropriate spiritual renewal. Following extensive consultation, the Congress theological document was published in October 2010.

Link to the main theological reflection about the Congress

Congress Theme

The Congress theme The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another, has its roots in The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, (Lumen Gentium) of the Second Vatican Council, where we read:

Sub-Themes of the Eucharistic Congress

On each of the days of the Congress after the Opening Mass celebrated by the Papal Legate and before the Great closing ceremony or ‘Statio orbis’ there will be a different theme celebrated each day of the week. Clustered as they are around the central theme of Communion are the ways in which being in communion with each other in Christ affect our daily lives and vocations.

Scotland and the International Eucharistic Conference

In Scotland recently we have had and are having many exciting new Eucharistic events: the very successful Visit of the Holy Father to Bellahouston in September 2010.  The implementation of the new English Missal from Advent 2011 in our parishes and the new Religious Education Curriculum for Scotland: "This is our Faith" which is coming into our schools.

Recently both the Holy Father and the new Papal Nuncio, His Excellency Antonio Mennini, have stressed the importance of Eucharistic Devotion and Adoration in the lives of Catholics: in the ongoing discernment of a vocation in life, especially vocation to a life of ministry in the Church and as an attempt to focus our spirituality on Christ our Teacher, Prophet and Priest. For us in Scotland, the forthcoming 50th International Eucharistic Congress, so close to us in Dublin, will greatly aid our Eucharistic renewal in the Faith at National, Diocesan and Parish level.

Pilgrims for Christ

One of the great themes in Celtic spirituality if that of Peregrinatio pro Christo, Pilgrimage for Christ.  Going on a pilgrimage enables us to taker a longer look at our lives and refocus ourselves on the Lord. Next year many of us will be going on Pilgrimage for Christ in the Holy Eucharist. During the period of the International Eucharistic Congress, 10-17th June 2012, there will be at least a four day, an eight day and at least one youth Pilgrimage to Dublin to the Congress. In Scotland we have so much to link us culturally and spiritually with Ireland. The International Eucharistic Congress will heighten those links. As well as the Pilgrimage events in Dublin there will be opportunities to visit some of the great religious centres of Irish history. In a short while there will be an opportunity to book one of these Pilgrimages. We hope to have a great contingent of pilgrims from Scotland!

Opportunities for Booking

In just a few days the Group Pilgrimage Tour packages will be assembled and ready to be offered for those who may be able to participate in them. Watch this space!

For those who wish to know more about types and prices of accommodation, and also registration procedures for the Eucharistic Congress click on the links below

    1. Registration and accreditation

    2. IEC Groups' Hotels

    3. Full Day Cultural Tours

    4. Half Day Cultural Tours

To Contact the National Delegate

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has appointed Mgr Stephen Robson as National Delegate for the Congress.  For more information or to find out how you can participate, please contact:

    Monsignor Stephen Robson

    Chancellor

    Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh

    Tel: 0131 623 8902
    Email: chancery@staned.org.uk