DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 7 (PNA) -– The Diocese of Dumaguete has started its preparations for more than a year of activities in line with the 51st International Eucharistic Congress set in Cebu City in 2016.
The International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) is a worldwide gathering of clergy, religious and laity to “promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
Ideally held every four years, the last International Eucharistic Congress was held in Dublin, Irelan during which then Pope Benedict XVI announced that in 2016, it shall be held in Cebu City, Philippines.
Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela, IEC diocesan coordinator here, said there will be a series of activities throughout the year prior to the congress in Cebu City from January 24 to 31, 2016.
Leading the first ever meeting of the Dumaguete diocesan team this week, Msgr. Heruela disclosed at least two major activities to signal the start of the local pre-congress celebration.
These include the launching of the Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo on December 16, this year, and the arrival of the Magellan’s Cross symbol for the IEC in the Diocese of Dumaguete on January 25-28, 2015.
The Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo “draws attention to the communal aspect of the IEC” and serves as a reminder that the International Eucharistic Congress is not exclusive to the Catholic clergy and hierarchy but is a celebration for all.
“Every peso of every Christian faithful symbolizes not only his financial contribution, but more importantly, it symbolizes his involvement as part of the greater Christian community in making the IEC possible”, the IEC organizers pointed out.
Not too many people are aware yet of the the Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo such that following its launching next month here came the suggestion for the box for such intention to be brought to the Catholic schools, beginning with the Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA).
Also, these boxes should be brought to the chapels at the different parishes to reach as many people as possible to educate them about the intention to promote devotion to the Blessed Sacrament in the Eucharistic celebration, Heruela said.
Currently, a box for the Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo is situated at the entrance to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral in Dumaguete City.
It was observed that due to lack of promotion, some people “venerate” the symbol on top of the box – two hands carrying a white orb (the Eucharist) and sometimes make the sign of the Cross after touching it.
All parishes are encouraged to increase awareness on the Piso Para sa Misa ng Mundo activity.
Meanwhile, the Magellan’s Cross representation will be moving throughout the Visayas region as part of the 51st International Eucharist Congress.
It will arrive here on January 25 and will stay overnight in Dumaguete. It will then be brought to Siaton town in the south on the 26th, to Tanjay City on the 27th and Siquijor province on the 28th before it will depart of Tagbilaran, Bohol on the 29th, Msgr. Heruela said.
The diocesan team agreed that there will be a mini-congress at each stop, with the youths and other parishioners to be invited to the activity.
During the mini-congress, discussions will focus on the primer of the 51st IEC as well as other activities like catechesis and testimonies from the youth and the laity on their personal experiences with the Eucharist.
Some priests are to be invited to speak during each mini-congress.
Meanwhile, another upcoming activity is the diocesan gathering of all catechists on December 13, said Msgr. Heruela.
The priest also explained that in the coming months, there will be an announcement regarding those who would like to attend the 51st International Eucharistic Congress as part of the delegation of the Diocese of Dumaguete.
Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes has also been named by Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu as the 51st IEC coordinator for the Visayas. (PNA)