A Final Look Back at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress

It is our prayer that these pages have shed some light on the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. For those who attended, it's akin to a journal that may trigger some fond memories. For those unable to participate, hopefully it gave you a sense of what it was like these past days in Quebec.

As 11,000 delegates return home, no doubt they'll get a question from family, friends or colleagues. So how was it? Or more simply, what exactly was it?

The answer for each will be different. That much we know. Experience has taught me that while we may want to tell people at great length about something incredible that we've experienced, our friends do sincerely want to hear about it - for about five minutes before moving on. That's what our attention span is like - we like small tidbits of information.

So for those who ask about the experience, how do we succinctly summarize all that's taken place? What will we say?

From where I sit, I would sum up the IEC as follows:

1. A Spiritual Reboot.


2. An Encounter with the Global Church.


3. A Challenge to live the Eucharist - or rather, "go in peace to love and serve the Lord."

1) A Spiritual Reboot - Our hectic lives very rarely allow for a week away from distractions filled with spiritual reflection, witness talks, prayer, community building and pilgrimage. If the IEC offered nothing more than these precious moments, we're further ahead than when we started. Having the chance to examine our faith journey, reflect on the wisdom of those around us and gather for communal prayer is good for the body, mind and soul. It shouldn't take an occasion like this to make it happen and it's up to all of us to find time in our busy days for a mini spiritual reboot. Daily mass, the sacrament of reconciliation, the rosary, adoration in front of the blessed sacrament - they're all waiting for us anytime we like. This week reminds us of that.

2) An Encounter with the Global Church - from the parishioner who sits in the 10th row in Latin America to the Cardinals of the world, we got a helpful reminder that we are a global church. While we often get caught up in our own local issues, it's a good reality check to remember that the world is a pretty big place and the mass that we celebrate in Scarborough is the same one that takes place in Dublin, Cape Town or Madrid. We find comfort and support in our global church. Featuring a different continent each day allowed us a brief glimpse into the spirituality of that part of the world, allowing us to rest at night knowing there are tremendous people of faith from north to south and east to west.


Having the opportunity to fly in an airplane next to a Bishop, walk in procession beside a Cardinal and eat breakfast with a priest or sister is a good thing. It bridges the gap between our religious leadership and the "church on the ground". It lends itself to dialogue, fellowship and mutual support. For that, we should all be grateful.

3) A Challenge To Live the Eucharist - We saw examples of this happening all week. A delegate pushing a wheelchair through the mud, helping a complete stranger with translation, walking a little slower so that someone else wouldn't run out of steam, seeing the face of Jesus in those we encountered.

If we could bottle that experience and bring it to the streets of our cities, in the way we deal with our co-workers, caring for the marginalized and outcast - not just for a week but a lifetime, just imagine the possibilities?

Photos: Emanuel Pires

We are the body of Christ. In the Archdiocese of Toronto we are better for having journeyed together to the IEC. We thank the organizers who put in much time and effort to plan a thorough and challenging program. But most importantly, we thank God for the graces of this gathering and pray that they will continue to be sown in the months and years to come.

P.S. If you've enjoyed the updates provided in this blog, stop by regularly for more information on what's going on across the Archdiocese of Toronto. Watch for daily updates from World Youth Day 2008, including Days in the Diocese (Melbourne) July 10-14 and the worldwide gathering in Sydney, July 15-20, 2008! Thanks to Emanuel Pires for his great photos, web updates and most valuable contributions. To the Archdiocese of Toronto's IEC Committee and all those involved in bringing this pilgrimage to fruition, hats off for a job well done!

A Final Eucharistic Celebration & Marinated Pilgrims...

The summit of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress was our final liturgical celebration, held on the Plains of Abraham and attracting a crowd of thousands (reports range from 20,000 - 40,000).

In addition the registered congress delegates, families from across the province and beyond made their way to this historical site for spiritual nourishment. About 800 pilgrims from the Chinese community in the Archdiocese of Toronto made the trek, a wonderful witness of the vibrant spirituality alive in Chinese Catholics across the Archdiocese.



Some might think a procession that takes 25 minutes would grow tiresome - not so, especially when one witnessed what took place. Thousands of priests, deacons, bishops and cardinals made their way to their assigned places. If that's not a poster for vocations, I don't know what is. There was great joy in the faces of these men and the people who appaluded their arrival. A great moment for all clergy in attendance - hopefully they remember these moments and how much the faithful support them in their journey.


Cardinal Tomko, the Papal Legate, presided at mass which featured a homily, transmitted live, via satellite from the Pope Benedict XVI. In remarks made in french and english, the Holy Father touched on a number of key themes, including vocations, our devotion to the blessed sacrament and a reminder of the importance of Sunday Mass:

"May all of you become ever more deeply aware of the importance of the Sunday Eucharist, because Sunday, the first day of the week, is the day when we honour Christ, the day when we receive the strength to live each day the gift of God."

The Pontiff also announced that the next International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Dublin, Ireland in 2012.

As for the weather...well it was lightly raining throughout the mass. Once it came to the Sign of Peace, the rain started coming down in buckets. The sight of Cardinals, the Premier of Quebec and Lieutenant Governor of Canada frantically pulling on ponchos was a bit comical. The special altar constructed for mass also sprang a leak, pouring down on Cardinal Tomko as he elevated the eucharist. The only smiling faces left were the 400 strong children's choir, joyfully singing under a permanent covered stage.

Needless to say, things moved very quickly from that point. No hymns during communion, a very quick closing prayer without the customary extended thank you's and even a little humour from Cardinal Tomko who exclaimed, "An abundance of rain, an abundance of God's grace!"

God certainly has a sense of humour - today's second reading from the book of revelation included the line, "Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift."


While many wouldn't have described the experience as "gift" you couldn't help but laugh and do your best to embrace this historical moment.

After mass, the Toronto delegation sloshed off to their buses to begin a journey that, for some, would not end until the wee hours of the morning (think 3 a.m.ish) after another bus breakdown. When we offer a pilgrimage we like to ensure it's a journey to the very end...

Photos: Emanuel Pires

The weather will certainly be one of the strong memories from participants. Some might say we were marinated. It rained all week. For most anyone on vacation rain would spoil the entire experience. Yet we weren't on vacation, we were on pilgrimage. Perhaps there's a message in all the rain that came down. In Quebec City, there was a spiritual cleansing, a washing of the dirty feet, bathing us of our imperfections, our shortcomings, our brokenness. We were marinated by the words we heard, the encounters we experienced, the moments of renewal. Like a good marinade it took time to seep in.

In speaking to pilgrims earlier in the week, one woman told me her highlight of the IEC was singing the simple song, "Take me, take me as I am." So simple, so meaningful. So true.

While the rain would not have been high on anyone's wish list, perhaps it was the best thing that could have happened to us. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are clean today. Now they have been commissioned to go back home and wash the feet of others...

Celebrating with Family, The Newest Shepherds & Unpacking from the Mountain...

Presiding at today’s Eucharistic Celebration was His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. You may recall that Cardinal Arinze was one of the “papabile” mentioned in 2005 as a potential successor to Pope John Paul II. While the Cardinal was originally born in Nigeria, he has spent several decades at the Vatican – this year marks his 50th anniversary of priesthood. Incidentally, at the time of his elevation to bishop in 1965, at the age of 32, he was the youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the world.

At the front of the procession was a local family, who made their way to an area beside the altar that was then set as a table for a family meal, complete with candles. This simple symbolism helped visualize the idea of Eucharist as a simple meal with Christ and friends.

The procession also included some new faces – 12 of Quebec’s newest priests, ordained Friday evening in a gathering of thousands at the Colisée. Talk about a great first day on the job – entering to the thunderous applause of thousands and processing with Cardinal and Bishops from around the world – memo to the newly ordained, it’s not like this every day, but for now, take it all in and enjoy!

Cardinal Arinze’s homily, beginning in french, focused on the commandment of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

“The Lord tells us to how bring this to life - there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend. That’s exactly what Jesus did for all of us. Jesus gave us the supreme witness of love.”

Today’s 2nd reading is one that most would be familiar with, heard most often at weddings – the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians that speaks of love (Love is patient, love is kind, etc.) Cardinal Arinze reminded the congregation that the Eucharist sends us forth to share our love and solidarity with those in need, especially the poor, hungry, sick, prisoners, handicapped, seniors and the homeless. Works of charity done on their behalf are concrete signs we are living out the Eucharist we have just celebrated.

Shifting to english, Cardinal Arinze also focused on holy men and women, examples of saints both past and present as witnesses of Christ in the world. He referenced the lives of Saint Josephine Batika, St. Aloysius Gonzaga and St. Thomas More.

Following the final blessing, representatives of the Innu community performed a native dance of thanks on behalf of the aboriginal community.

This afternoon provided Archdiocesan pilgrims an opportunity to process their experience to date. Small group discussions touched on the story of the disciples on the road to Emaus, allowing pilgrims to share in small groups and begin to look at how to bring what has been absorbed this week back to their own community.

Large events like the International Eucharistic Congress, sometimes referred to as “mountain top” experiences, provide new energy and enthusiasm for us on our faith journey. However, it is critical that we take time to process these moments and see them as part of the complete picture. Of course we can’t replicate mass with 10,000 people each week in our parish, homilies may not be as dynamic, parishioners may not participate to the level we’d like. We can’t take moments like the IEC and try to recreate them back home. Instead we can give thanks for these grace filled moments and look for opportunities to affect change in simple ways based on what we`ve learned this week.

We can start with ourselves. Our processing did just that, asking questions about “my own action plan” and how I plan to implement it back home. The IEC is a wonderful moment for the life of the Church but it needs to bear fruit and inspire tangible action from us all.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

Speakers this week have challenged us to “live the Eucharist” – while the talk at times shifted to political leaders, they were here to speak to us. That’s where it needs to begin - with parishioners, priests and bishops. Our group sharing today will hopefully allow us to see the Eucharist as Gift of God for the life of the world not just for seven days in Quebec City but every day in every community in our global village. As we get ready to come down from the mountain top, the real heavy lifting begins…

Africa Calling, Catholic Math and A Message of Love...

Saturday, June 21, 2008 – the final day of sessions here at the Colisée and Eucharistic Cité. Today we feature the continent of Africa with a morning catechetical session presented by His Eminence, Christian Wiyghan Cardinal Tumi, Archbishop of Douala, Cameroon. The Cardinal is described as a man “in love with justice and peace, engaged in the struggle for human rights.”

In his french catechesis, he referenced human rights throughout his presentation, reminding those gathered of their Eucharistic call to serve as builders of peace and justice in the world. He reminded us that the church cannot and may not remain removed or aloof from the struggle for justice in the world. We need to be engaged and help the world find a global spirituality.



He joked of the mathematics of the trinity – how for Catholics, one plus one plus one equals one. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all God and therefore, the addition does not add up to three but rather only one.

The morning witness session in french was given by the smiling and passionate Ms. Marguerite Barankitse, Founder of Maison Shalom. This non-governmental organization (NGO) has helped over 50,000 children and adults in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world.

This nation was ranked last in the world by the World Bank in terms of monetary wealth. As Marguerite exclaimed, “we’re not in last place – we may not be wealthy materially but we are spiritually rich.” Often accused of being crazy for trying to bring together warring factions in a country of violence, she responds by posing the question, “Who was the original crazy and radical one? Jesus.”

She recounted a conversion experience where a solider demanded she kneel in front of him. Refusing to bow down to anyone but Christ, she would not give in to his demands. The soldier threatened to shoot her. Noticing he had a rosary, she asked how he could use both a gun and rosary – the two didn’t belong together. After some more tense dialogue, the two ultimately ended up on their knees together with Marguerite challenging the soldier to give away his gun and join Maison Shalom. He’s now her driver.

Shalom House has allowed Hutu and Tutsi children to live together in peace. In a country where there is hatred and war between these two groups, Marguerite has told these children that their ethnicity is “Shalom”.

Her basic message, “Love always triumphs. Evil will never have the final word.”

Photos: Emanuel Pires

Upon completion of her talk, there was a thunderous standing ovation thanking her not only for her talk but more important for her work and personal witness in a country divided by war and violence.

The witness talks this week have allowed us to hear those who are truly living a faith that acts. Lest we all become too comfortable in trumpeting our own good works, places like Burundi, the slums of India, and the poor barrios of Central America remind us that there is still much work to be done…

Go Tell it on the Mountain...

Friday evening the Archdiocese of Toronto’s delegation had the opportunity to take part in a “mountain top” experience, traveling by gondola to the top of Mount Ste. Anne for a prayer service and exchange of fellowship 2,600 feet above the ground. The top of the mountain provides a beautiful view and a wonderful settting to take in the wonder of God’s creation – on sunny days.

As has been the case throughout the week, the rain cometh. We ended up in the middle of a cloud – someone described it as purgatory – a misty fog that severely restricted visibility but more importantly soaked pilgrims to the bone on their 15 minute walk to the chalet meeting place. You would think with all the rain this week, these people would be ready to revolt. Instead it was just the opposite – people selflessly helping one another, pushing wheelchairs through the mud, leaders with torches lighting the way while others shared umbrellas or ponchos to help ease the downpour.

As the rain fell we took shelter in the chalet gently chanting Taizé hymns, packing 400+ pilgrims into a tight space as the drops poured down. One couldn’t help but think of the disciples gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost. The rain let up for a few minutes in which we were able to move outside and pray together, blessing one another – literally eyes, hands and feet.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

In true Pentecost tradition, we received the light of Christ (our candles), illuminating the ever darkening sky. The pilgrims were then led by torches as they walked to another chalet 10-15 minutes to share in fellowship and some hot drinks.

A small group of about 12 of us remained behind to help assist a wheelchair bound pilgrim and tidy up – the gathered included women religious, priests and lay people including several young adults. We then learned that the tiny hearing aid of one of the nuns gathered from our group had fallen down through the grate of the balcony from which we had been standing. In good weather, this would be difficult to find, with darkness, rain and shadows, next to impossible.

Sister, one of our priests and two young people crawled underneath the balcony area to search for this tiny but precious device. She began to pray to St. Anthony as the young people huddled down and no sooner had she begun saying, “Lord have mercy” did a cheer erupt from below. After several frantic minutes of searching, the hearing aid had been located.

While they weren’t in a locked room for fear of the authorities, there certainly were some parallels with the Upper Room. To see Christ through the anxiety, to light the path in the rain and darkness, looking for a way to both spread and “hear” the word of God. Sounds like pretty good ingredients for some modern day ambassadors of Christ sent forth to preach the Gospel in their own unique way. Granted, these disciples were a little more soaked than when they arrived…

"Like A Good French Meal..."

This morning’s eucharist was celebrated by His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-Kiun, S.D.B., Bishop of Hong Kong, China and began with a moving procession of 20 physically challenged women and men with wheelchairs and canes. They carried simple ribbons that had been draped down from a large cross.

Cardinal Zen spoke of his father being baptized by a Canadian missionary and how this is homecoming of sorts.

In his homily, he also touched on the recent earthquake in China, speaking of the massive destruction in his country. Cardinal Zen remarked how this tragic event reminded his people that in the midst of crisis, we do not turn to material possessions or wealth, we turn to God. In the suffering of thousands of victims, Jesus was present in the debris, the darkness, the pain and despair.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

It should be noted that the liturgies organized by our Quebec hosts have been beautifully prepared. As one priest described it, “They’re like a good french meal with simple, wholesome ingredients - every bite is precious.”

Indeed, we’ve all been well fed this week.

"One More Tabernacle & The Ultimate GPS System"

Friday morning, June 20, 2008 – the sun is shining brightly as we make our way into the Colisée today. Our featured continent is Oceania. This morning’s catechesis was led by His Eminence, Telesphore Pacidus Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, India.

Cardinal Toppo spoke of the situation in his own country and relayed personal reflections ranging from the original missionaries bringing the Eucharist to the community to meeting with Mother Teresa who cited “Jesus in the Eucharist” as the source of her strength and ability to keep up her lifetime of charitable. She referred to every new community founded by the Missionaries of Charity as “one more tabernacle”.

His Eminence also spoke of the tremendous poverty in Asia, with statistics citing 2/3 of the world’s poor living in that part of the world. 1.9 billion people or 60% of Asia’s population live on an average of $2 US dollars a day while 21.5% of Asia’s population live on $1 US/day. Yet among the wealthy there are many who are dissatisfied, on an everlasting “restless search for humanity.”

This morning’s witness talk was given by Mr. Jose H. Prado Flores, Director/Founder of the San Andres School of Evangelization. He spoke in spanish of his own faith journey, comparing it to a can of Diet Coke – light, with zero calories. While he studied theology and was a student of the church, everything was in his head but hadn’t been transferred to his heart.

Filled with great energy and a knack for humour, Mr. Flores used several props throughout his presentation to illustrate his points. A frozen steak was presented to illustrate that his faith was frozen, a remote control touched on our desire to change the channel when life is not going as we would like. A road map was produced to speak of the fact that while God has ultimate control we still want to control the direction of our life and where we are headed.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

Finally a balloon was inflated to show that we can all be filled with the word of God – our tendency is to tie up the balloon as opposed to letting the Holy Spirit move where it needs to be. The visual of bishops and the congregation joyfully blowing up their balloons and just “letting go” was a powerful message that led to a standing ovation and plenty of food for thought.

Mr. Flores has helped found over 2,000 schools in 61 countries, providing evangelization to communities around the world. Today, another 11,000 were schooled in what it means to live one’s faith, to let go and let God be God…

A Very Public Display of Faith

Thursday evening, pilgrims attending the conference and local Quebecers joined together for a procession through the streets of the city, with the Blessed Sacrament serving as the focal point. For many who speak of the secularism of our country, particularly Quebec, it was a powerful statement of solidarity and personal witness. More than 15,000 pilgrims took part in the procession, singing reflective hymns, silently praying and enjoying fellowship with each other.

A special moment for the Toronto pilgrims took place when we saw Archbishop Thomas Collins walk by in procession with the hundreds of other bishops of the world gathered for the occasion. His Grace stepped out of the procession after identifying the nine large Archdiocese of Toronto flags, and proceeded to walk among the Toronto pilgrims for the entire route. It was a powerful witness, having our shepherd leading us on the journey. Many commented later that it was incredible to be among the Archbishop, to really feel connected with him on this important leg of the pilgrimage.
Another special moment occurred at the end of our walk when I witnessed two of our pilgrims walk by a middle-aged couple out on their porch to observe what was no doubt a somewhat unique scene of 15,000 strong walking, praying and singing. Seizing the moment, the two pilgrims walked up to the porch and extended a hand of goodwill while passing on their own candles that had been illuminated throughout the walk. The grateful couple expressed their thanks, in receiving the candle. But it was more than a candle – with our theme of the congress being “The Eucharist: Gift of God for the Life of the World”, these pilgrims were passing on the light of Christ. It was another one of those quiet but grace filled moments.

Ah yes, a word about the weather. It rained most of the entire day – as our buses arrived at our drop off point for the walk, the rain ceased and we enjoyed comfortable weather as we walked the streets of the city. When we arrived back to our pick up point, as the last pilgrim stepped on the bus, it began to pour. Maybe we’ve got some connections…

Photos: Emanuel Pires

We capped the evening off with the luminous mysteries on the bus ride home led by a chaplain on each bus. All gathered for Benediction before putting an end to this very long but fruitful day.

As an old Japanese proverb states, every journey begins with one simple step – thousands were taken tonight – there’s plenty of room for more to join in the ongoing pilgrimage – tonight’s powerful witness told the province and country that all are welcome to join this family of faith in the experience of a lifetime.

Giving Back...Unconditionally

A simple but inspiring moment from the conference floor this morning – sign language translation provided for deaf delegates by a pilgrim from the Archdiocese of Toronto. As the buses were loading at 7:30 a.m. this morning, I chatted with one of our pilgrims about her experience to date. She spoke of having come to the IEC as a pilgrim but then soon realized there was no American Sign Language english translator for the deaf pilgrims in attendance.

An experienced ASL translator, she sprung into action, having spent countless hours this week translating complex talks, in many cases without any text, for these pilgrims. Her own pilgrimage deeply impacted, she has never complained, explaining only that someone needed to ensure these pilgrims had the chance to `hear the Good News`.

She likely won’t be formally acknowledged for this act of generosity – a humble, servant of the Lord. Eucharist is being lived all around us this week – we just need to look around to see examples of it in action...

Asia Shines, Reconciliation & It Looks Like He Will Truly "Rain" Forever...

Thursday, June 19, 2008 – today we focus on the continent of Asia. This morning’s catechesis was led by the smiling Bishop of Imus, Philippines, the Most Reverend Luis Antonio Tagle.

His inspiring catechesis covered three main themes – 1) worship and sacrifice of Jesus Christ 2) spiritual worship of the baptized 3) Reflection on authentic adoration.

In speaking of how our society worships our own false gods, the Archbishop prompted thunderous applause as he exclaimed,

“How many factory workers are being denied just wages for the God called profit? How many women are being sacrificed for the God called domination? How many children are being sacrificed to the God called lust? How many trees, rivers and hills are being sacrificed to the God called progress? How many poor people are being sacrificed to the God of greed and defenceless people sacrificed to the God of national security?”

This motivational presentation brought the crowd to its feet for a lengthy standing ovation thanking the Archbishop for sharing a reflection that, for many pilgrims, has been the highlight of the IEC to date.

The witness talk this morning was given by Mrs. Elizabeth Nguyen Thi Thu Hong, a Canadian teacher who is the youngest sister of the late Vietnamese Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, whose beatification cause began in September 2007. She has been translating into both English and French her brother’s writings on the Marian movement and the letters he wrote to his family during his 13 years of imprisonment, nine of which were spent in solitary confinement. His letters bear moving witness to the faith that inspired the Cardinal’s life.

Afflicated with a rare form of stomach cancer, the Cardinal asked his family to send him some wine to help with his sickness. Two small bottles were given to him labelled, “Medicine for stomach cancer”. The Cardinal used three drops of wine and a tiny amount of water in his hand to celebrate mass every day. In one of his letters he wrote,

“Each day I celebrated mass – I had the opportunity to extend my hands and nail my hands to the cross with Jesus. Those were the most beautiful masses of my life.”

When asked what kept him alive during his many years in prison, he answered simply, “The Eucharist”.

If one is looking for an example of the saints of the new millennium, one need look no further than the late Cardinal Nguyen. There was a palpable electricity in the Colisée this morning and for that, we can thank our Asian friends.

We finished our morning together with a penitential liturgy and sacrament of reconciliation led by His Eminence, Claudio Cardinal Hummes, Archbishop Emeritus of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy. This experience in spanish, allowed pilgrims to reflect on the precious sacrament of reconciliation and the overall theme of repentance. The liturgy included a dramatic presentation modeled after the story of the Prodigal Son, with local children, young adults and other actors involved in the dramatization. All were invited to participate in the sacrament (note: throughout the week reonciliation has been offered throughout all the sessions, with a steady stream of pilgrims and line ups visible throughout the Colisee).

Photos: Emanuel Pires

We returned to our place of residence and celebrated mass with our entire group of 470. Once again, Bishop Grecco was with us presiding at Mass and Bishop Boissonneau preached, reflecting on his first Eucharistic Congress. After a light dinner, we make the 40 minute drive to the city once again.

By the way, if you`re keeping track at home...it`s still raining. As we prepare for tonight`s Eucharistic Procession throughout the streets of the city, God must be hearing us because indeed, `He continues to `rain` forever...

The Ursuline Convent & Great Local Hospitality!

Toronto pilgrims had the chance to do a little exploring this afternoon. Some ventured into the old city while others explored the Eucharistic Cité on site at the congress, visiting exhibits and workshops – as they say, so much to see, so little time. The sun came out for a few hours and made for great “strolling” weather.

Later in the afternoon, the pilgrims made their way to the Ursuline Convent of Quebec City, the oldest institution of learning for women in North America. The convent was established by Marie de l’Incarnation, one of the best known Ursuline nuns.

Our pilgrims filled the chapel for a beautiful prayer service led by Auxiliary Bishop Richard Grecco. It’s been great to have all the bishops join us throughout our time this week. The service was also filmed by Salt & Light Television as part of their extensive coverage for the International Eucharistic Congress.



This evening we had the opportunity to welcome the local church with a fraternal feast. The local pastor, parishioners and leaders from Ste. Anne de Beaupré joined us for dinner and provided an animated history of their community along with some great music that prompted some spontaneous dancing.

We’re about half-way through the pilgrimage and there is a real spirit of community with the group gathered to date. The schedule has been a busy one but there have already been tremendous graces along the way. People have been fantastic to support each other, helping those who need a little more time and being flexible when faced with any obstacles. As they say on these types of experiences, the only constant is change.

The pilgrims have not just been experiencing this journey for themselves. Speaking to many throughout the day, they’ve mentioned they’re also here on pilgrimage for a spouse, sibing, cousin or friend. While we may be close to 500 people physically, every step is being taken along with countless others held in their hearts and prayers.

Photos: Emanuel Pires/Neil MacCarthy

South America Calling and a Divine Liturgy

It’s Wednesday – another wet one in Quebec City and today’s featured continent is South America. This morning’s catecheses was led by His Eminence Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, S.J., Archbishop of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina.

Across the ocean at the Vatican, the IEC was on Pope Benedict’s mind. At the end of today’s general audience (June 18) at St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father directed remarks to those gathered for the IEC in Quebec City:

“I am spiritually present at this most solemn ecclesial meeting and I trust it will be a time rich in prayer, reflection and contemplation of the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist for the Christian communities of Canada and for the Universal Church. May it also be a propitious moment in which to reaffirm the Church’s faith in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

May the International Eucharistic Congress revive in believers – not just in Canada but in many other nations in the world – an awareness of the evangelical and spiritual values that have forged their identity.”

Just a short side note - one of the challenges of these types of gatherings is language – how do you effectively communicate to 11,000 delegates that represent so many countries from around the world? This morning’s catechesis was presented in Spanish. While translation is provided in many languages via radio, the tone of the translator can really impact the presentation. When done well, it crosses the language barrier, when done poorly it makes it challenging to connect with the presentation.

Our morning finished with a special celebration. The congregation was able to participate in the Divine Liturgy (Eucharistic Celebration) under the Byzantine Rite, in solidarity with our Eastern Rite brothers and sisters. Many people are unaware that there are a number of Eastern Rite Catholic Churches, (Ukrainian, Melkite, Maronite, Slovak, etc.) that are in full communion with Rome.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

For most present, it would have been their first experience with a Eucharistic celebration in the Byzantine tradition. The beautiful chanting and congregational singing brought a whole new experience to Eucharist. As the celebration progressed, more and more people joined in the responses, which were projected on a large screen. No doubt all in attendance have a new appreciation for this beautiful communal celebration and the richness of those who so faithfully participate in the life of our Eastern Rite churches.

Happy 350th – You’re Still Looking Great - Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré

On Monday night Toronto pilgrims had a chance to hear Archbishop Collins speak to the group in Mount Ste. Anne. The Archbishop has been out to visit with the pilgrims for two nights and has provided inspiring words to help frame all that’s taken place to date.

Tuesday afternoon the Archdiocese of Toronto delegation was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Peter Hundt as they visited Sainte-Anne-de Beaupré Shrine, celebrating its 350th anniversary this year and a popular spot for pilgrims taking part in this year’s IEC. Bishop Hundt led us in prayer as we reflected at one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America.

The present Basilica was consecrated by Cardinal Maurice Roy on July 4, 1976. For those interested in pilgrimage, it is definitely a “must see” location. Each year, over 1.5 million pilgrims make their way to the shrine for prayer and reflection. There are youthful tour guides responsible for the various pastoral activities during the pilgrimage season (Way of the Cross, Holy Hour, Rosary, etc.) and “Aides of Saint Anne” who, since 1947 have voluntarily offered a service for people with special needs.

With such an impressive and historic setting, it’s difficult to take all the sights and sounds in with just one brief visit.

One powerful moment was witnessing a priest of the Archdiocese, visually impaired, being led by one of our pilgrims throughout the Basilica, arm in arm. She then went on to describe everything she was seeing in detail to the visually impaired priest. The smile on his face indicated that, while he wasn’t able to visually experience what others were witnessing, he no doubt had a distinct picture in his mind of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and her many treasures.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

One can’t help but think that this simple act of service is the very reason we’re here. Precious moments of grace on the journey – unscripted, sincere and faith-filled. Fittingly, the pilgrims departed the Basilica to a bright ray of sunshine, the best weather we’ve seen all week. And to think it’s only Tuesday…

These are the unscripted, spontaneous moments of pilgrimage - it`s what this week is all about.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - A Taste of Europe…

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – today the focus shifted to the continent of Europe, with His Eminence, Philippe Cardinal Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, France, providing the morning catechesis (teaching) session.

The Cardinal spoke on today’s theme, “The Eucharist, Memorial of the Paschal Mystery”. He reflected on the words we hear during the consecration – “This is my body, this is my blood”, comparing them to those we encounter each day in life – the body of the unborn child, the broken body of those who are elderly and frail, the body of those with physical or mental challenges. Jesus is speaking to us in this moment, he is offering his body to us. Each time we celebrate mass, we recall the “bodies” of our brothers and sisters.

Today’s witness talk, a response to the catechesis, was provided by Father Nicolas Buttet, founder of Eucharistein Fraternity (EF), a community inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, which is devoted to simplicity and total reliance on God.

Before he came to the EF community, Nicolas Buttet was a lawyer in Switzerland and serving in politics, having seen too much pain in his life – families torn apart, people suffering physically, emotionally, spiritually. He thought to himself, “If love cannot help them, where will humanity go?”

He ended up in Italy, volunteering at a handicapped home. Arriving after a long day of travel for his first day of service, he was greeted by the man who ran the home. Nicolas was immediately ushered into a room where 20 people slept and he was struck by the terrible smell. Tired, weary and ready for bed, the last thing he wanted to do was change the diapers of these handicapped children. But that’s exactly what he did – at first, he was frustrated, but the longer he spent in their room, the happier he became. Two hours later, he was no longer tired. The experience took place 20 years ago and Fr. Buttet realized that night that Jesus was present there with those children and with him.

In his humorous, joyful and thoughtful reflection, he shared his own experiences, encountering the bent and broken. In all of these people we find Christ.

The morning finished off with mass, celebrated by His Eminence, Stanislaw Cardinal Dziwisz, best known as the longtime personal assistant for the late Pope John Paul II.

Photos: Emanuel Pires

An insightful and reflective morning, our “pilgrimage” to Europe demonstrated that while we may be oceans away, we’re really not that different – all of us are challenged to be disciples of Christ – sometimes we just need a reminder…