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This year’s International Eucharistic Congress (September 8-15) is being held in Quito, Ecuador, under the theme “Fraternity to heal the world.” It will gather delegations from 53 countries in a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal for Ecuador and the rest of the world.
The first International Eucharistic Congress was organized by a French laywomen in Lille, France, in 1881. It was intended to help foster faith and devotion in the wake of the French Revolution. Since then, International Eucharistic Congresses have been held in countries all over the world, including two in the United States (Chicago in 1926, and 50 years later in Philadelphia in 1976). The most recent was held in Hungary in 2021.
Aleteia spoke with Fr. Juan Carlos Vásconez, one of the official spokespersons of the current Congress, to learn more about this event.
150 years of Ecuador's consecration to the Sacred Heart
It all began in March 2021, when Pope Francis announced that Quito would host the Congress in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the consecration of Ecuador to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since then, work has been underway on all key aspects, including finances, liturgy, theology, and logistics. Fr. Vásconez elaborates:
Mobilizing and making the local community aware of the event has been a considerable challenge, as has coordination with local entities such as the Municipality, the Quito airport, and security services. Despite these challenges, we’ve moved forward with the firm conviction that this Congress will be a moment of profound spiritual renewal.
The people of Quito are also actively participating in the Congress with various activities. There will be concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and Eucharistic celebrations in different parts of the city. Special highlights will include a large procession with the Blessed Sacrament in the colonial center of the city, and the First Communions of more than 1,600 children during the opening Mass.
The Eucharist, source of healing and unity
Fr. Juan Carlos comments that it has been almost a decade since an event of this magnitude was held in the region, “which makes it a great blessing and an organizational challenge for the Archdiocese of Quito.” He went on to explain in more depth:
In the current context of Ecuador, the challenge of fully living fraternity is more urgent than ever. Pope Francis has reminded us, through this Congress, of the importance of healing the social and spiritual wounds that violence and individualism have left in our country.
Although the difficulties have been significant, especially in logistical coordination and community awareness, we have persevered with the certainty that the Eucharist is a source of healing and unity. The Congress will approach fraternity from multiple perspectives, including history, politics, social issues, and the situation of indigenous peoples, which will further enrich the experience of the participants.
Fr. Vásconez recalls that, in a world marked by injustice, violence and despair, “the Eucharist becomes an inexhaustible source of peace and reconciliation. Eucharistic adoration is much more an act of devotion; it is a transforming experience that intimately connects us with the sacrificial love of Christ.”
This Congress reminds us that only through the Eucharist can we receive the grace necessary to bring the peace of Christ to the most difficult situations of daily life and the world. “Eucharistic adoration teaches us to see Christ in the face of others, even in those who have caused us harm, and impels us to be artisans of peace in our immediate environment.”
“By contemplating Christ in the Eucharist, we unite ourselves to his redemptive sacrifice and find the strength to forgive, heal, and rebuild broken relationships.”
How can we take part?
The activities of the Congress are open to any of the faithful who wish to deepen their relationship with Christ and live Christian fraternity in a tangible way. The official website of the Congress has all the information about how to participate. Those who cannot attend physically will be able to participate virtually. EWTN and the Congress website will broadcast the event live, including liturgical celebrations, reflections, and activities. There will also be coverage on various social media platforms.
This possibility of participating long-distance shouldn’t be undervalued, Fr. Juan Carlos argues:
The Eucharist transcends geographical barriers and unites us as one universal Church. Participating virtually is a powerful way to feel connected to the global community of believers and to incorporate the teachings of the Congress into our daily lives, wherever we are. In this way, every home can become a space for worship and fellowship, reflecting the spirit of the Congress in every corner of the world.
A unique opportunity to rediscover the importance of the Eucharist
This Congress is a special occasion to reflect on how the Eucharist can illuminate every aspect of our existence, says Fr. Juan Carlos:
These days will be an opportunity to renew our commitment to our faith and to allow the grace of the Eucharist to transform our lives and impel us to be witnesses of Christ in the world, regardless of our nationality, age, or particular situation.
The Eucharist is the center of Christian life, and participating in the International Eucharistic Congress offers us a unique opportunity to rediscover its importance in our daily lives. It doesn’t matter who we are or in what circumstances we find ourselves; the Eucharist invites us all to a personal and transforming encounter with Christ.
