Indian Catholic Church to hold ’National Eucharistic Congress’ today

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Sep 12, 2015: The Church is preparing for the National Eucharistic Congress, which will be held at St Pius Seminary in Goregaon, Mumbai from November 12-15.

The event commemorates the golden jubilee of the memorable International Eucharistic Congress that was held in Mumbai in 1964. Pope Paul VI had visited India at the time.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai said at a press meet on Wednesday that Pope Francis will relay a video message especially prepared for the occasion.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the Papal Legate and five representatives from all 167 dioceses and archdioceses in India. Each day, the celebration of the Eucharist will be held under the various Latin, Syro-Malankara and Syro-Malabar rites."

Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes said the congress will attract Catholics from all parts of the country.

"The Eucharist is at the heart of the Christian faith. We ask forgiveness from God, and in turn, we must forgive those who transgress us. We are urging the community to live Christ through forgiveness, women’s empowerment and care for creation."

The Congress will include talks, workshops, cultural events and prayer, to bring about the relevance of our faith. The concept of the family unit as well as the Pope’s recent encyclical on the environment will be important subjects of discussion, Bishop Fernandes said.

Note : "Mangalore Today" Magazine in it’s issue of November 2014, carried a detailed account with exclusive pictures of the last  ’National Eucharistic Congress’, held at Bombay in December 1964, with Pope Paul VI attending.