The source of joy

"The next International Eucharistic Congress will take place in 2016 in the city of Cebu!", the announcement was made by His Holiness Benedict XVI in a video-message transmitted on June 17 at the end of the "Statio Orbis" closing ceremony of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress (IEC 2012, Dublin 10-17), held in the Ireland’s major sport stadium, Croke Park. The Pope underlined that "much still remains to be done on the path of real liturgical renewal. In a changed world, increasingly fixated on material things, we must learn to recognize anew the mysterious presence of the Risen Lord, which alone can give breadth and depth to our life". The Holy Father reminded that "from the earliest times the notion of koinonia or communio has been at the core of the Church’s understanding of herself, her relationship to Christ her founder, and the sacraments she celebrates, above all the Eucharist" and "by our sharing in the Eucharist, we come into communion with Christ and each other visibly here on earth". Benedict XVI underlined that the Congress "also occurs at a time when the Church throughout the world is preparing to celebrate the Year of Faith to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council" an event which "promoted the full and active participation of the faithful in the Eucharistic sacrifice". "It is clear that a great deal has been achieved; but it is equally clear that there have been many misunderstandings and irregularities", the pope said.Wounded Ireland. "Ireland has been shaped by the Mass at the deepest level for centuries", His Holiness continued, but "such a great history of faith and love have recently been shaken in an appalling way by the revelation of sins committed by priests and consecrated persons against people entrusted to their care" they "abused people and undermined the credibility of the Church’s message". The reason why they did this "remains a mystery". Yet "evidently, their Christianity was no longer nourished by joyful encounter with Jesus Christ". The Pontiff assured his prayers "that the Congress will be for each of you a spiritually fruitful experience of communion with Christ and his Church". From tomorrow… The archbishop of Dublin, Msgr. Diarmuid Martin, thanked volunteers and pilgrims and pointed out: "The extraordinary interest that was shown in these days for the workshops and catecheses of the Congress tells us just how much thirst there is in our Catholic community to deepen the understanding of our faith". Tomorrow we must start our catechesis anew to prolong the fruits of this Eucharistic Congress through a dynamic of New Evangelization". The celebration. The Statio Orbis has been a special celebration with Congress participants from 120 world countries, who experienced a special time of silence and meditation with the accompaniment of choirs. It was an opportunity "in which they acknowledged what it means to celebrate, receive and live the Eucharist. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Republic Michael D. Higgins and by Prime Minister Enda Kenny. The key. The Mass for the Statio Orbis was presided over by card. Marc Oullet, Papal Legate to the IEC. "We can rely on the Lord for a new beginning. This key to renewal in our lives is a decision to recommit ourselves to love the Lord and to live and to die for Him, knowing that His grace will never fail. May the upcoming Year of Faith strengthen in us this decision!" His Eminence said. For the cardinal, "After this week of Eucharistic reflection, celebration and adoration, we are certainly more aware of God’s call to communion with Him and with one another". The voice. Malachy Duddy, one of 7000 IEC volunteers told SIR Europe: "It was impressive to see so many pilgrims from different areas of the Catholic world in adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament". Stephen Kelly, young curate from Navan, in the Meath county, said: "During the week, every evening we did adoration in the parish, following the theme of the day for all those who could not go to Dublin. For the Church it’s important to place the Eucharist at the centre since this is where renewal will come from". Each year Kevin Farrell travels to Santiago de Compostela. He appreciates the initiative of the "Pilgrim’s way": "We have visited seven churches in Dublin, one of which is the Anglican church, starting with the St. James Church from which leave all the pilgrims headed to Santiago. At each stop we prayed and convened for Adoration. The closing Mass was held in the Pro-Cathedral".