Cebu, Philippines, Apr 26, 2013 / 15:03 pm
The Archdiocese of Cebu in the Philippines has announced that the next International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Cebu City on May 23-29, 2016.
Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu publicized the dates on April 26, according to the Catholics Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
The assembly is expected to draw thousands of participants – including laity and Church leaders – from countries around the world.
Held every four years, the International Eucharistic Congress seeks to witness to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and to promote a better understanding of the liturgy and Eucharist in the life of the Church.
The last gathering was held in Dublin, Ireland in 2012. The Philippines has previously hosted the Congress in Manila in 1937.
Archbishop Palma said theologians in the country have been discussing topics that will be covered at the Congress.
At a recent meeting with the planning committee in Rome, the archbishop said that Pope Francis has been invited to attend the 2016 event.
The archdiocese also announced that the theme for the upcoming Congress will be "Christ in You: Our Hope of Glory."