Thousands Celebrate the 48th International Eucharistic Congress
Over 3,000 Catholics around the world gathered in Gudalajara City, Mexico, to mark the start of the International Eucharistic Congress and the beginning of the “Year of the Eucharist,” on October 10, 2004. The weeklong 48th International Eucharistic Congress, held at the Jalisco Stadium, brings together catholic bishops, priests, religious and lay people from different parts of the world, to reflect and study the meeting of the Holy Eucharist.
The Pope John Paul II dedicated the time between Oct. 2004 and Oct. 2005 as the Year of the Eucharist; the yearlong observance will culminate at the meeting of the Synod of Bishops, where the top Catholic leaders will worship under the theme “The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church.”
The Eucharist is a sacrament observed in several denominations as well as the Catholic Church. The sacrament, which was instituted at the Last Supper, calls on parishioners to consecrate and consume bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ death.
