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As the 49th International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) quickly approaches, Knights are helping to prepare for the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend.
The congress will take place June 15- 22 in Quebec City. IEC organizers see it as an invaluable opportunity to celebrate the Catholic faith, grow closer to Christ and help inspire spiritual renewal.
Pope John Paul II first announced that the congress would be hosted in Quebec City in October 2004.
Months later, the Supreme Council pledged $1 million in support of the event. Local Knights have been involved in various ways ever since.
For the last two years, Canadian Knights have transported throughout the country the Ark of the New Covenant, an icon-covered wooden chest created to promote the congress and encourage eucharistic devotion. The Ark’s pilgrimage began in May 2006, after it was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.
The Ark has since visited numerous communities in Canada, where people have been invited to sign pledges to pray for the congress and deepen their faith in the Eucharist.
In addition to transporting the Ark, Knights have volunteered to assist with other preparations for the congress. Jules Duguay of Courville (Que.) Council 10993 is responsible for recruiting and coordinating volunteers for the IEC. Of the approximately 2,000 volunteers recruited thus far, Duguay said between 300 and 400 are Knights.
“During the congress, there will be Knights helping with security, transportation and logistics,” he said.
The Order’s presence will not only be behind the scenes. Fourth Degree Knights will participate in three of the congress’s major events: the opening Mass, a eucharistic procession through Quebec City and the closing Mass on June 22.
Catholic Information Service will be on site distributing booklets in English and French about Catholic belief and practices. Several Supreme Officers are also scheduled to attend.
IEC organizers recognize that by hosting the event in Quebec City, they are met with both great challenges and great potential. Although the region is historically Catholic, there has been a great influence of secularism in recent decades. The environment is much different than when Montreal hosted Canada’s last International Eucharistic Congress in 1910.
“In 1910, the faith was more fervent,” explained Duguay. “People were much more active in the Church than they are today.” Nonetheless, organizers have said that the preparations for the IEC have already yielded fruit. “As Knights of Columbus, we hope to see a renewal of the faith in Quebec and beyond,” said Duguay.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec, primate of Canada and a Knight, has invited all the faithful to participate in this international event.
Even those who cannot attend as pilgrims can pray for the congress and reflect on its message. In a letter of welcome, Cardinal Ouellet wrote: “I invite you to pray for the spiritual success of this great event in service to the new evangelization.”
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