National Eucharistic Congress of India – day 2

India’s National Eucharistic Congress is currently being held in the Archdiocese of Bombay, Nov. 12-15.   The ‎theme of the event inaugurated on Thursday is, “Nourished by Christ, to Nourish Others”.  The Eucharistic Congress, to which Pope Francis has sent a video message in English, is being held to mark 50 years of  Blessed Pope Paul  VI’s visit to India, Dec 2-5, 1964, on the ‎occasion ‎of the 38th International Eucharistic Congress in Bombay, today called ‎Mumbai.  ‎

A Eucharistic Congress gathers together the clergy, religious and laity to ‎promote the awareness of the ‎central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic ‎Church. It helps improve the ‎understanding and celebration of the liturgy and draws attention to the ‎social dimension of the ‎Eucharist.   

Below is the text of the press release that Bombay Archdiocese issued, summarizing the events of Friday, Nov. 13, the second day of the four-day Eucharistic Congress that concludes on Sunday:

 

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOMBAY – PRESS RELEASE

After the inaugural day’s witness to the Christian faith in terms of participation and involvement by delegates from the length and breadth of India, the second day drew on the expressed sentiment as the program got underway, starting with Morning Prayer at 7.15 am.  The day’s liturgy was assigned to the Syro-Malabar Rite and the Seminary Chapel was packed to capacity as the choir rendered the psalms and invocations.

This was followed by a screening of the video bulletin – a recap of the first day’s program as also the film of the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held in Mumbai in 1964. For the senior citizens among the delegates this was a moment of nostalgia, and for the younger generation this offered a chance to see the magnitude of the witness to faith and fervour of their parents and grandparents – the Catholics of India.

The Eucharist was celebrated by His Eminence, George Cardinal Allencherry together with Oswald Cardinal Gracias, His Lordship, Bishop Thomas Elavanal, Eparchy of Kalyan, the bishops and priests present at the Congress, and attended by the Papal Legate, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Cardinal Allencherry’s homily addressed the universality and brotherhood among Christians and the call to share in order to make our world a more equal one.

The Syro-Malabar rite has been handed down from St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, the first companions chosen by Christ himself.  It is a solemn rite steeped in meaning, tradition and music. The Congress is a fitting occasion for members of the Latin rite, who have not had the opportunity, to attend a Qurbana (offering) which is the name given to Masses celebrated in this rite.

The delegates also received catechesis (teachings in the faith) on the Congress theme, with special emphasis on Mission (caring for our lesser advantaged sisters and brothers in their areas of need) and the Environment where we are called to protect the earth, God’s creation which was gifted equally by Him to all humankind. Testimonies by Christians (some working for the betterment of the oppressed; others who have been persecuted) were much appreciated and the faith-based cultural program today was presented by the Bengal region, Tamil Nadu region, Bihar and Agra and the Northern regions.

Post lunch the delegates were treated to a very special performance by the Ambassadors for Christ – a band composed of five very talented priests who play guitar, drums and keyboard. Those present – young and old - participated happily and wholeheartedly in the Gospel action songs.

What was even more heartening to witness was the intermingling of people, who struck up impromptu friends at the food court at mealtimes.  This Congress is proving to be a family gathering in every sense of the word.