IEC2012: Rome Reports

Ireland is getting ready to host the International Eucharistic Congress from June 10 to the 17th in the city of Dublin. To talk about all the details, Piero Marini, who serves as the president of the Pontifical committee for International Eucharistic Congresses and also the bishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, held a press conference at the Vatican.


The gathering will mark the 50th Eucharistic Congress and the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Among other things, Dublin's bishops says it will help the 'wounded Church of Ireland.'

MSGR. DIARMUID MARTIN
Archbishop of Dublin (Ireland)
“The Church in Ireland is in the process of reconciliation. The letter the Pope wrote to the Catholics of Ireland is helping us a lot because it indicates some areas where you have to work. The Eucharistic Congress is one of them.”

MSGR. PIERO MARINI
Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses
“Ireland's bishops asked that the Congress take place in their country. It's a way to renew the Church while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and this Eucharistic Congress.”

A day of the conference will be devoted to the topic of reconciliation, which will include writings done by victims of sexual abuse.

Even though the Pope won't be attending, he will be sending a video message. He will also send Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet as his representative.

MSGR. DIARMUID MARTIN
Archbishop of Dublin
“The pope himself has said this to me that he would like a visit to Ireland to be an integral part of this process of renewal and he would make a journey, even if it was difficult for him to be able to contribute to that. Just at the moment I don’t think that process of renewal particularly renewal in faith has gone far enough to be able to use that visit of the pope in a way that would strengthen the faith. But that day will come.”

The Eucharistic Congress will take place as the Catholic Church and civil institutions in Ireland face high tensions, triggered by criticism on the handling of sex abuse cases. Even though it won't happen over night, the Church hopes this Congress will help in the renewal process.