Congress Reaches Out to Immigrants, Refugees

  Photos from the Eucharistic Congress

During a special ceremony June 20, Cardinal Marc Ouellet of received a  $162,500 donation to his foundation to help with programs in support of refugees and immigrants to Canada. The gift was made on behalf of the International Eucharistic Congress.

Archbishop Piero Marini, president of the pontifical committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, said the Quebec meeting held June 15-22 should deepen Catholics’ belief in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist, but also his real presence in every person. By understanding the link between the two, he said, we are compelled to help those in need.

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, said globalization has many negative and harmful effects that can be countered by the Eucharist. Globalization, he said, is “egoistic,” but the Eucharist is about “sharing in community.” We will be accountable for our neighbors, the cardinal said, and we “must show openness toward them.”

Cardinal Ouellet accepted the check on behalf of his foundation, which is working on long-term programs to aid immigrants and refugees. It has raised more than $300,000 since being established at the start of 2008. Each donation, he said, proves society’s solidarity with the newcomer.

Cardinal Jozef Tomko, Pope Benedict XVI’s representative to the IEC, called the donation the “first fruits” of the congress.