As the church in Australia prepares to welcome the world for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress in 2028 (Eucharist28), it is fitting to look back with gratitude at a remarkable moment in the nation’s Catholic history: the International Eucharistic Congress held in Sydney in 1928.
From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the church has understood herself as catholic – universal, sent to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. The risen Lord entrusted this mission to his disciples when he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Throughout history, the church has sought ways to manifest this universality and unity. One such way is Eucharist28, a global gathering centred on the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament in which Christ remains truly present among his people.
The Eucharist lies at the very heart of the church’s life. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, believers from every nation and culture are united in the one Body of Christ. This profound reality is beautifully expressed in the words of St Paul: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Eucharist28 seeks to celebrate and proclaim this mystery before the world.
Among these historic gatherings, the 29th International Eucharistic Congress, held in Sydney from 2–9 September 1928, occupies a special place in both Australian and world Catholic history. With the blessing of Pope Pius XI, it was the first congress ever held in the Southern Hemisphere. This marked an important moment, reflecting the expanding presence of the Catholic Church beyond its traditional centres.
Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and countless lay faithful travelled from many parts of the world to Sydney to participate in prayer, catechesis, and liturgical celebration. The congress reached its climax with a magnificent Eucharistic procession through the city, concluding at St Mary’s Cathedral. This solemn procession was not merely ceremonial; it was a public proclamation of faith in Christ truly present in the Eucharist.
Historical records estimate that more than half a million people participated in the celebrations, making it one of the largest religious gatherings ever witnessed in Australia at that time. During those days, the Eucharist was celebrated in different languages and according to various liturgical traditions. The diversity of rites and cultures beautifully manifested the deeper unity of the church – a living expression of a people gathered from every nation, tribe, and language before God (Revelation 7:9).
Among the distinguished participants in this historic gathering was a remarkable representative from the ancient Catholic community of India: Alexander Chulaparambil, Bishop of Kottayam in the Syro-Malabar Church and founder of the Society of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH).
His presence carried particular significance. Bishop Alexander represented the ancient tradition of the St Thomas Christians of India, whose origins trace back to the preaching of the Apostle Thomas n the first century. For nearly two millennia, this community preserved its unique liturgical and spiritual heritage while remaining in communion with the universal church.
Bishop Alexander had previously attended the Congress in Rome in 1922. During that gathering he formed friendship with several church leaders, including Archbishop James Duhig of Brisbane. It was largely through Archbishop Duhig’s invitation that Bishop Alexander travelled to Australia and participated in the 1928 Sydney Congress.
Historical accounts suggest that he was among the earliest Malayalis to set foot in Australia. His journey therefore marked a significant moment in the history of the Indian church’s engagement with the wider world.
Bishop Alexander’s visit took place at a time when immigration restrictions and racial discrimination were still common in many parts of the world. Yet the presence of an Indian bishop at an international Catholic gathering carried a powerful message: the church transcends national, cultural, and racial boundaries. In Christ, humanity discovers a deeper unity that surpasses all divisions.
The Catholic Church has never been confined to one culture or continent. From its earliest centuries, it has grown as a communion of believers rooted in every part of the world. Bishop Alexander’s presence in Sydney was a living witness to this universality. His journey was therefore far more than a personal pilgrimage. It symbolised the meeting of ancient Christian traditions within the one global church.
In every celebration of the Eucharist, believers from different cultures and backgrounds are gathered into one Body of Christ. As St Augustine beautifully expressed it, “Behold what you are; become what you receive.” The Eucharist forms the church into a communion that transcends boarder and generations.
Nearly a century later, this historical moment continues to inspire reflection. As Sydney prepares once again to host the IEC in 2028, the memory of the 1928 gathering invites us to rediscover the same Eucharistic faith that inspired believers of that time.
For members of the Society of the Oblates Sacred Heart now serving in the Diocese of Broken Bay, Australia, this memory holds a special significance. We cherish the knowledge that our founder once walked on Australian soil and took part in one of the most significant Eucharistic celebrations in the history of the church in this country.
His presence in Sydney remains a quiet yet powerful reminder of the church’s universality. Around the altar of the Lord, the believers from every nation and culture are gathered into one body in Christ. In a world often divided by culture, politics, and history, the Eucharist continues to proclaim a different vision – a humanity united in the love of Christ.
Rev Dr BIJU JOSE OSH is the Parish Priest at Ku-ring-gai Chase Catholic Parish, Broken Bay Diocese.
, it is fitting to look back with gratitude at a remarkable moment in the nation’s Catholic history: the International Eucharistic Congress held in Sydney in 1928.){kind=link}