The Philippines is blessed by Almighty God as it holds another International Eucharistic Congress. A multitude of years has passed on before we were bequeathed with his magnanimous opportunity to welcome personages from around the world and bring them closer to a fuller comprehension of the Eucharist and its necessity in a modernized and materialistic world.

 

The highlight of this assembly is the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which the highest form of worship in the Church. Opportunities are provided for spiritual growth through the various sessions and encounters in this event. One such session was given by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila who spoke about incorporating a "Eucharistic Culture" in the lives of believers. The prelate also called those present to shun the so-called "throwaway culture" and individualism which makes a person contemptuous and indifferent. Instead, the faithful must have a spirit of convocation and communion with other individuals. Politicians were also strongly reminded to make good governance the paramount reason of their service to the public. Other themes of the sessions include openness to dialogue with other faiths and non-believers, the link between the Eucharist and Mary, the problem of growing Secularism and the pastoral care of the deaf-mute and PWD's in the Church.

 

Other activities included a Parish Encounter and the Visita Iglesia in which delegates were feted to various parishes in Cebu, where they were able to appreciate the undying faith Cebuanos have to the Lord Jesus. Then, the Eucharistic Procession was done in which about 1.5 million people walked with the Blessed Sacrament in the streets of the City. A sea of light filled Osmeña Boulevard as devotees fondled their candles and prayed the rosary as they perambulate with Jesus present in the Sacred Host. About 5,000 kids, mostly street children received First Communion which was truly a sight to behold. Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal was truly elated when he was able to give these children the Body of Christ for he himself received it first during the last time the IEC was held in the country.

 

At the conclusion of this conference of faith, the Statio Orbis was held in the South Road Properties. Close to a million people participated in the Holy Mass. The Papal Legate, His Eminence Charles Maung Cardinal Bo, told the faithful present to defend the dignity and the identity of the family, to multiply and spread the faith throughout the world where many parts have more cats and dogs than children, to remember that wealthy countries are not those with oil and weapons arsenals but those with a vibrant population of young people and to perpetuate the faith.

 

Pope Francis appeared in the Mass through a pre-recorded video in which he applauded the Filipinos for their resilient faith in the midst of calamities and troubles such as Typhoon Yolanda. The Pontiff then encouraged the crowds to keep Christ their hope in their lives as Christians and Catholics. He announced that the next IEC will be done on 2020 and in Budapest, Hungary.

 

For me, the IEC is, if I would refer to a popular tune, "the best days of my life". During these moments, only the words of God filled my heart as I listened and pondered the messages of the charismatic speakers and participated in the various liturgies prepared such as Morning Prayers and of course, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. My heart is filled with joy as I was part of this once-in-lifetime event. We do not know when another IEC will transpire in our shores once again. Let us always etch in our consciousness that Jesus is indeed our hope of glory despite our Herculean fracas in our pilgrimage in this ever-changing world.