“The International Eucharistic Congresses in Latin America”
From the 19th century in France to Quito in 2024, the International Eucharistic Congresses have been an integral part of Catholic life, as they provide a transformative experience through the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
It all began in Lille, France, in 1881. Émilie Tamisier, inspired by St. Peter Julian Eymard and his life dedicated to the worship of the Eucharist, organized the first International Eucharistic Congress with the blessing of Pope Leo XIII, under the theme “Eucharistic Worship and Works in Different Countries.” This marked the start of a long tradition of gatherings aimed at strengthening faith in the Eucharist and emphasizing its importance in the lives of the faithful.
First International Eucharistic Congress in Latin America
The first International Eucharistic Congress held in Latin America took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 10 to 14, 1934, with the theme “The Social Kingship of Christ through the Eucharist.”
The congress was organized by the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and featured Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli (who would later be elected Pope) and Monsignor Thomas Louis Heylen, President of the Pontifical Council for International Eucharistic Congresses, as legates of Pope Pius XI.
This event marked the largest mobilization of the faithful recorded up to 2014.
In response to a difficult socioeconomic situation and a loss of spirituality, Argentine bishops issued a collective pastoral letter in 1933 announcing the International Eucharistic Congress as a response to the materialism, selfishness, and indifference of the global society of that time.
From Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Later, Rio de Janeiro would host the International Eucharistic Congress on Latin American soil from July 17 to 24, 1955, under the theme “The Eucharistic Kingdom of Christ the Redeemer.” The Eucharistic Congress in Brazil marked the peak of devotion in the country. Several Catholic media outlets of the time even claimed that this congress divided the country’s Catholic history into a before and after.
The Eucharistic Congress also paved the way for the first Conference of the Latin American Episcopate, leading to the establishment of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) with the blessing of Pope Pius XII.
Prior to the International Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Giacomo de Barros Câmara, Archbishop of Rio, announced the beginning of the Eucharistic Year, inaugurated in July 1954 with a Mass at the Maracanã Stadium, which was packed with nearly 200,000 faithful.
Colombia: The Third Latin American Country to Host the IEC
Colombia was the third Latin American country to host an International Eucharistic Congress, from August 18 to 25, 1968, with the theme “Vinculum Charitatis,” meaning “Bond of Love.” The Congress, held in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, is notable for the visit of Pope Paul VI, who made a call for peace through both words and actions. Additionally, it reviewed the results of the Second Vatican Council, which brought significant changes to the Church to adapt to the society of the time, fostering greater lay participation in the Church’s evangelization efforts.
The Catholic Church in Latin America sought to address a troubling social and political reality, characterized by demands for social justice and the imposition of dictatorial regimes in several countries. Pope Paul VI wanted to participate in the International Eucharistic Congress not only to celebrate the Eucharist with pilgrims from around the world who gathered in Medellín but also to personally witness the serious problems facing the continent, gather the concerns and anxieties of the poor, and offer reflections that were later openly addressed in the Second General Conference of the Latin American Episcopate, held in Medellín and inaugurated by the Pope at Bogotá’s cathedral during his apostolic visit.
The 39th International Eucharistic Congress was organized by the Archdiocese of Bogotá and was presided over by the Papal Legate Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro.
Mexico: The Congress of the New Millennium
The congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, was the first International Eucharistic Congress held in Latin America in the 21st century. At the dawn of the millennium, the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 was celebrated, commemorating the incarnation of Jesus, with the Eucharist as its focal point, as proposed by Pope John Paul II.
Held from October 10 to 17, 2004, the congress focused on the theme “The Eucharist: Light and Life of the New Millennium.” It was presided over by Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, Archbishop of Guadalajara, with Cardinal Josef Tomko serving as Papal Legate.
A year earlier, in 2003, Mexican bishops declared 2004 as the Year of the Eucharist in preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress.
One of the most notable events of this congress was the Eucharistic Adoration Vigil, which gathered around 25,000 young people. Pope John Paul II referred to the young attendees as “Sentinels of Hope.”
Quito: Eucharistic City and Host of the IEC 2024
After 20 years since an International Eucharistic Congress was held in Latin America, the city of Quito, Ecuador, will host the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress from September 8 to 15, 2024, under the theme “Fraternity to Heal the World.”
The city was chosen by Pope Francis to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In response to a world wounded by social problems, post-pandemic effects, digital individualism, and wars, the congress proposes fraternity, rooted in the Eucharist, as a means to heal wounds and rebuild a society of peace and dialogue.
The 53rd International Eucharistic Congress aims to help all the faithful recognize each other as brothers, breaking down the barriers of screens and languages to build bridges with more spiritual human connections.
Written by: Génesis Almeida