Eucharistic Congress to be held in September 2004

Washington, DC - A Eucharistic Congress is a time when Catholics - priests, religious and laity, come together to express their devotion for the Holy Eucharist. They draw near to the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and are taken into the Paschal Mystery where God truly gives Himself to us in Christ and communicates His salvation to the whole world. It is a time to deepen our faith, hope, and love through liturgy, music, catechesis, processions, prayer and adoration. It is a time to heed the invitation to build up the Body of Christ through our missionary activity and works of charity.

There will be a Eucharistic Congress held on September 24-25, 2004 in Washington DC at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Congress is sponsored by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR), which represents more than 100 religious communities.

The theme, Heaven Unites with Earth, was taken from Pope John Paul II’s April 2003 encyclical on the Eucharist, Ecalisia de Eucharistia. It highlights the profound mystery of God dwelling among us in the Blessed Sacrament and the unity of the Body of Christ.

The congress is being held during a special marian year announced for the Basilica to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The faithful who come in pilgrimage may gain a plenary indulgence.

The two-day event will consist of celebration of the Liturgy, catechesis, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and other activities focusing on the Eucharist. Special youth activities are planned. Speakers include: Francis Cardinal Arinze, James Francis Cardinal Stafford, Justin Cardinal Rigali, Bishop Daniel DiNardo, Sr. Nirmala of the Missionaries of Charity, Fr. Peter Girard, OP, and Anne Van Thuan, sister of the late Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.

Those who cannot attend the Congress itself are given the opportunity to "participate at a distance" through prayer and catechesis. They are encouraged to pray for the success of the Congress and join the more than 300 contemplative communities in the United States that have been invited to join in prayer. There is an art contest for students and programs for the elderly.

By accessing the website of the CMSWR, the faithful can learn about the theology of the Sacrament and, for example, about saints who loved the Eucharist.

The Congress is free of charge and open to everyone. For more information, go to www.cmswr.org, or write: CMSWR, P.O. Box 4467, Washington, DC 20017.