Young people in Canada preparing for 2008 International Eucharistic Congress

Quebec City, Canada, May 17, 2006 / 22:00 pm

Catholic young people in Canada have begun a program of spiritual preparation for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Quebec June 15-22, 2008, on the theme, “The Eucharist, gift of God for the life of the world.”

According to the Fides news agency, the Archdiocese of Quebec has organized a first preparatory meeting for May 19-22 for young people of all the diocese of the country.  The meeting was called for by Cardinal Marc Ouellet in order to encourage young people to spiritually prepare for the Eucharistic Congress, reminding them that they are called to fully participate in this event that has as its purpose the celebration and proclamation of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist as the heart of the Church.

During the meeting, which will be held at the Jèsus-Marie College of Sillery, young people will participate in catechesis, liturgical celebrations and works of charity, and they will hear an address by  Cardinal Ouellet.  The meeting will culminate on Sunday, June 22, with a procession to the tomb of the three founders of the Church in Canada.

The International Eucharistic Congress will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the city of Quebec, where the first Catholic diocese north of Mexico was established.