Eucharistic Congress Sunday 17th June (RTE One 2:00pm)
Closing Mass of the International Eucharist Congress with principal celebrant Papal Legate, Cardinal Marc Ouellet. Pope Benedict XVI contributes a message via video-link as he adds his blessing to the week-long celebration.
What some of the speakers at the congress during the week said:
The Eucharistic Congress is “a signpost for the future” where the Church will be able to share the Good News and “say to young people you will find love, commitment and care here”, the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has said. This is not going to happen overnight, he added.
The archbishop, who is presiding over the Eucharistic Congress, said the Church in Ireland would be renewed by returning to its centre in the message of the Gospel and the Eucharist.
Asked about abuse, he said that people from all over the world are in solidarity with the Irish Church and he defended the many priests who love the Church and have no involvement with the sins and failures of others.
He added that the Irish Church is looking towards its own future and what are the things it wants to stress in its renewal.
This hope for the future was echoed by Alois Loser, prior if the Taize community, who spoke at the congress.
“I am sure that coming back to the essentials of our faith we will find the courage and the way for the future. We don’t know the face of the Church of tomorrow, not in Ireland, not anywhere.”
“Especially now is the question of how the young generation can be involved. They do not just continue the old traditions but want to find a personal faith. Personal conviction is the future.”
Maria Voice, president of the Focolare movement, also saw hope despite the obstacles.
“Every difficult moment is part of God’s sacred story with people. And that story has always had wonderful times followed by sadly difficult ones, times of doubt, uncertainty, of criticism. But those periods have always served for our growth, for our purification, for witness”
Eucharistic 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 recognise 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 the earth, in justice and love, as witnesses of your
resurrection.
In communion with Mary, whom 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
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