The next International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in 2028 is an opportunity to celebrate and worship Jesus present in the Eucharist, strengthen the faith of Catholics and give testimony to the power of God’s love in our lives, past congress organiser Bishop Kornél Fábry told Sydney Catholics gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral Chapter Hall on 3 March.
Bishop Fábry, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest in Hungary, was the secretary general and organiser of the 52nd IEC held in Budapest in 2021.
The worldwide series of celebrations, to be hosted next by the Archdiocese of Sydney, is held every four years to deepen knowledge, respect, and love for the Eucharist.
The congress is also firmly aimed at witnessing Christ’s presence to the world in the midst of “spiritual warfare,” emphasised the bishop at the latest in the Scholarship in the Cathedral series of lectures.
“The aim is to celebrate Christ, to worship him in the Blessed Sacrament, to be witness to the infinite love of God who became man and remains among us in the Bread of Life, because this is one crucial part of our faith,” he said.
“It also aims to make known and loved the whole history of our faith, to promote Eucharistic life among the faithful so that they may be in a living relationship with Christ and be present in the world as authentic Christian witnesses for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”
Young professionals, archdiocesan staff, members of religious orders and clergy were among those attending the lecture which was followed by the opportunity to ask questions of Bishop Fábry.
All present were interested in gaining ideas and inspiration from his experience of leading an IEC, about how it might be hosted in Sydney, what sorts of fruits might be expected and what challenges might be faced.
Bishop Fábry addressed all this and more, engaging the full chapter hall with stories from his own faith journey—in this way underscoring by his own example the need for constant prayer and witness in the mysterious call-and-response of faith and evangelisation.
A cradle Catholic growing up in the then-newly democratic Hungary, he was in his 20s when he “fell in love with Jesus” after connecting with a community of believers, seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation and committing to attending Mass each day.
Later, he made a pilgrimage across the world to the Philippines for the 1995 World Youth Day where he received his call to the priesthood.
The bishop said the IEC prompted much opportunity for spiritual and parish renewal in Hungary but emphasised that the event itself is the highlight over several all-important years of preparation and then follow-up.
He said the starting point of four years of preparation for the IEC in Budapest was a full year’s focus on personal prayer and relationship with Jesus Christ, followed by one devoted to the life of the Catholic community, and then a year on the Eucharist as the source of life for the world, and the call to evangelise.
Among an array of resources, formation and worship opportunities, local churches prayed for the IEC over the four years in the lead up to the event and arranged to offer additional times for Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
More than 2,000 volunteer “missionaries” were recruited and supported, school children with their families were engaged, and thousands of youth and youth adults attended regular evening events focused on the Eucharist.
“Most important is the witness of the faithful,” the bishop said. “To life our life and inspire others to the Catholic Christian life.”
“We cannot evangelise by force, we must live our life in such a way as to be an example for others.”
A highlight of the IEC in 2021 itself was an outdoor candlelight Eucharistic procession that drew 100,000 participants.
“People were smiling, singing, people said it was like heaven on earth, it was really extraordinary, and at the Benediction everyone knelt as one in silence,” he said.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has said the IEC will be a joyous occasion that will deepen people’s understanding of the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The bid to host the event had the backing of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, and the highlights are expected to be the large opening and closing Masses and a Eucharistic procession through the city’s streets.
After the announcement was made at the conclusion of the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, held in Quito, Ecuador, last September, NSW Premier Chris Minns warmly welcomed the Congress to Sydney’s shores in advance of the 2028 event.
It is the first time the event is being held in Australia since Melbourne hosted in 1973, and the first time in Sydney since 1928.
