(21 June 08 - RV) The 49th International Eucharistic Congress today enters
the final day of its week long sessions.
The Congress, being held in Quebec
Canada, will be officially closed Sunday with mass during which the Holy Father will
address delegates via video link from the Vatican.
Cardinal Justin Rigali,
Archbishop of Philadelphia in the United States is one of the many Church Prelates
who has led workshops this week reflecting on the need for a Eucharistic Renewal:
“This
has been an exhilarating experience because we have so many pilgrims from all over
the world. So its been a moving occasion not only for the Church in Quebec but for
the universal Church. First of all there has been this magnificent emphasis on the
Eucharist and it’s various aspects, starting of course from its central point, the
Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the source and summit of all the activity within the
Church. In addition, a number of people have pointed out that Eucharistic adoration
flows naturally from this, and the emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation..,
as St Paul tells us if we are going to celebrate the Eucharist then we have to be
worthy, we have to examine our consciences we have to be reconciled with God”.