Irish Diocese Gets Taste of 2012 Eucharistic Congress

(15, 11.2011) Parishioners from the Diocese of Meath are getting a taste of next year's International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. A diocesan event that began Friday and concludes Sunday gathered participants from 69 parishes. Meath Bishop Michael Smith described the gathering as "an invitation to all our parishioners to come and see how our faith in Jesus Christ can refresh our own lives and renew our communities."The bishop suggested that "in Ireland, there has never been a more appropriate time to reflect on our faith and give witness to others." Twenty-five speakers, including spiritual, sports and music personalities, will give testimony about what the Eucharist and the Mass mean in their lives. There is also a separate youth section for ages 18 to 35 focused on faith sharing, especially through the Sunday Mass.The 2012 International Eucharistic Congress to be held next June in Dublin is the 50th such congress. The congress was first held in France in 1881, and have recently been convened every four years.