AMERICA/BRAZIL - After the Year of the Eucharist the Church in Brazil prepares for 15th National Eucharistic Congress in May 2006 with the theme “He is with us”

Florianópolis (Fides Service) - After the special Year of the Eucharist the Church in Brazil is preparing for the 15th national Eucharistic Congress 18-21 May 2006 in Florianópolis with the theme “He is with us” and the slogan “Come and See!”. The congress handbook “The Eucharist source and summit of the Lord’s presence among us”, illustrates how Christ is present: “The encounter with Christ in his sacramental presence in the Eucharist is the source of all Christian life and of the Lord’s presence in many other ways. This is why the Eucharist is source and summit of the Lord’s presence in his Church assembled to hear and live the word and share it. To make the Church into one people called to live one faith, hope and love and to celebrate the Eucharist and proclaim his Word Jesus guarantees his presence in the Bishops and priests who lead the faithful. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Lord’s presence in others. So the Eucharist leads us to see and love his presence in our brothers and sisters, in a special way those most in need. The Eucharist is also source and summit of the Lord’s presence in our daily cross”.
In this perspective the National Congress will reflect on Eucharistic doctrine, render public honour to the Blessed Sacrament with Liturgical Celebrations and also help people rediscover the importance and significance of Sunday, the Lord’s Day.
The 43rd general assembly of the Bishops Conference in August 9 - 17 approved the Congress basic text which also offers suggestion for preparation. Theological and pastoral reflections also in view of the Congress are given in Theological Handbooks. It was also announced that a seminar on Eucharist and Solidarity will be held during the Congress and that as a fruit of the Congress the hosting archdiocese of Florianópolis plans to open a social assistance centre.
To help preparation for the Congress information can be found at http://www.cen2006.org.br. According to a draft programme, issued in September, the Congress will draw thousands of participants from all over Brazil. Important events include: 17 May 2006, in Florianópolis cathedral, evening twilight prayer, procession and solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to remain for the four days of the Congress; 18 May 2006, opening Mass and Procession Orlando Scarpelli - Estreito sports grounds; Sunday 21 May 2006, same place solemn closing Mass. Friday 19 May Bishops and priests congress participants will be invited to preside Mass or Adoration in parishes and chapels in the archdiocese of Florianópolis. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 17/10/2005, righe 36, parole 494)