The final countdown is underway in the Irish capital Dublin for the opening of the
50th International Eucharistic Congress that runs from June 10th to 17th. One Dubliner
born and bred who cannot attend the Congress but who will be there in spirit is Monsignor
John Kennedy, a canon lawyer and official at the Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith. He spoke to Susy Hodges about his own expectations concerning this gathering: Listen:
Monsignor
Kennedy says whenever there's been "a great faith event" in his native city the population
have always responded well and notes how how many of his countrymen "still speak about
the visit by Pope John Paul to Ireland back in 1979." He points out that his year's
event "has a huge ecumenical element" and overall believes that the Congress will
be "a very positive and very fruitful event" even if it might take some time for the
fruits of it to be evident. Amidst so many current difficulties, "we need good news
these days," he declares.