In daily humbleness

"It was a beautiful celebration", owing to the participation, and "joy" of all those present and to the silence. It also was "the image of what an international Eucharistic Congress – IEC – should be, a local Church that invites other world Churches to celebrate the Eucharist, which is the heart of our faith". Msgr. Piero Marini, President of the Pontifical Council for Eucharistic Congresses, was interviewed by SIR Europe upon the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, themed: "Communion with Christ and between us", that opened on June 10 in Dublin, ongoing until June 17 (www.iec2012.ie).The strong presence of the laity. 12.500 people from over 120 countries paraded with coloured flags and costumes in the Arena of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), the great structure where the big events will be held. With the same enthusiasm marched the parishes and groups from the four ecclesial provinces of Ireland: Armagh, Cashel, Dublin and Tuam. Musical contributions were also remarkable: chants in Latin and other languages by four gospel choirs and three Irish tenors were enthusiastically attended. Msgr. Marini said that a prominent feature of the Congress is "its humbleness. It is near the daily life of the Church, meaning that the great events typical of past century Congresses, notably those of the 19th century, are no more. It’s an ecclesial, not a triumphalist Congress", that has taken on the shape of an "assembly" with many "lay people that have learned to take part in the Mass with the Council, to distinguish between essential and superfluous things. Theirs is "a participation of faith". Another positive aspect "that stems from the Second Vatican Council – underlined Msgr. Marini – is the theme of the Congress: ‘Communion with Christ and between us’. It’s the essential feature on which we can erect the future Church". An opportunity for the Church in Ireland. The Papal Legate, cardinal Marc Ouellet, celebrated Mass. In his homily he said that the celebration of the Congress in Ireland is a sign of "God’s providence". "This is a country known for its natural beauty, its hospitality and its rich culture, but most especially for its long tradition of fidelity to the Catholic faith", that has, "through her missionary sons and daughters, helped to bring the Gospel to many other, far-distant shores". His Eminence underlined that "now the Church in Ireland is suffering and faces many new and serious challenges to the faith". "Well aware of these challenges we turn together to Our Lord, who renews, heals and strengthens the faith of His people. I know from my own experience at the last Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City that an event such as this brings many blessings to the local Church and to all the participants, including those who sustain it through prayer, volunteer work and solidarity".The path of renewal. Speaking during the ceremony, IEC2012 President, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, extended his thoughts to the Irish youth, that they may "be led to know the happiness and fulfillment, the joy and the hope, the call to love and commitment that comes from an encounter with Jesus Christ". The Archbishop added: "The Church in Ireland is on the path to renewal. The Church is not ours to redesign; it is gift that we receive from the Lord with the guidance throughout history of the Holy Spirit and following the example of Mary and the saints". In the press conference on 11 June, he said that some of the survivors of clerical abuse took part in the Congress. "But there will not be an official delegation, also for respect for their privacy". A healing stone was unveiled during the Opening Ceremony "as a means of acknowledging the abuse of children". The Healing Stone comprises a piece of granite which is engraved with a prayer composed by a survivor of clerical abuse. Father Kevin Doran, Secretary General of the event, explained: "to say something is ‘carved in stone’ is to say that it is here to stay rather than just a passing thought. The stone represents the firm determination to work for healing and renewal".