Bishop Cortes: Pray for success of 51st International Eucharistic Congress 2016

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – The pilgrimage symbol of the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress, a replica of the shrine that houses Magellan’s Cross, has arrived in this city and received by Most Reverend Julito Cortes, bishop of the Diocese of  Dumaguete, on Sunday signaling the start of the national pilgrimage across the country.

Cortes, after the symbol’s arrival to the Diocese of Dumaguete, the first diocese outside of Cebu to receive it, presided the Eucharistic celebration or the Mass at the Saint Paul University-Dumaguete gym.

The bishop, in his homily, exhorted the Catholic faithful to pray for the success of the 51st IEC scheduled in January 2016 in Cebu City. He said the diocese’s reception of the pilgrimage icon started its commitment to undertake the year-long activities for the international event next year.

Cortes said the IEC can be divided into three parts: Preparatory activities for this year, the actual celebration in 2016, and the implementation of the IEC’s “fruits.”

While it is equally significant to participate actively in the preparations and the actual staging of the IEC, what is more important is what happens afterwards and how does one actually live out what has been shared and promoted during the event, said the bishop.

“It is the challenge of renewal in our appreciation, understanding and love for the Eucharist,” which bears more weight, Cortes said, adding that this sacrament (Eucharist) “is a great gift of the Lord to the Church,” and that one can truly experience the love of the Lord.

Cortes also said: “Eucharistic life is a life offered to the Lord in prayer, in public worship and living according to the mandate of God.” He further underscored the need for the formation of the faithful in all dioceses on the importance and understanding of the Holy Eucharist, ready to “be broken, blessed, make a sacrifice and share of ourselves and our gifts to others,” just like Christ did.

Scores of youths and other Catholics welcomed the arrival from Cebu of the pilgrimage symbol to Dumaguete, accompanied by a team of even volunteers, headed by Reverend Father Moenil Lapa, co-chairman of the IEC 2016 Committee on the symbol.

A mini-congress and a youth vigil were later held at the SPUD gym. It was transported last Monday to Siaton town and yesterday to Tanjay City. Today it will be brought to Siquijor island-province before it will go to Bohol.

The IEC symbol will be passed on to more than 80 dioceses in the country, with the national pilgrimage to end on November 13, the day that will marks the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ, The King.

Cortes, regional 51st IEC coordinator, appealed for prayers not just for the success of the IEC and the resources to fund it, but also for the security and safety of participants from all over the world. At least 15,000 local and international participants are expected for the actual congress while about a million people are envisioned to attend the opening and closing IEC celebrations in January 2016.

Pope Francis was also invited to join and lead the IEC event. Monsignor Julius Perpetuo Heruela, diocesan coordinator of the pilgrimage symbol, thanked for the “overwhelming, enthusiastic and warm welcome” in the Diocese of Dumaguete.