“Pontifical Legacy greets the Ecuadorian people on the occasion of IEC 2024.”
Pontifical Legate for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo, Archbishop Emeritus of Caracas, expressed his joy at being able to participate as the Pope’s representative in the major gathering of the Universal Church, which will be held in Ecuador. In his first words after being appointed Papal Legate, Cardinal Porras Cardozo extended a warm greeting to Ecuador and, in particular, to the people of Quito, just a few days before the start of the largest Eucharistic event in the city of Quito.
He stated, “I feel very happy, very joyful,” not only for being able to participate in the Congress but also for “having received that grace from Pope Francis by appointing me as Pontifical Legate” for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quito from September 8 to 15.
The Pontifical Legate highlighted the beauty of the art and heritage that characterize the city of Quito, which will host the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, reflecting on the theme “Fraternity to Heal the World.”
Becoming Better Disciples and Missionaries of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Justice
Cardinal Porras Cardozo recalled that he has many friends in Ecuador, making participation in the Congress “a wonderful opportunity to share, to pray, and to feel what is that Common Home that is the Church in Latin America, and to have this devotion to the Most Holy Sacrament and the Sacred Heart of Jesus spread from our continent.”
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Ecuador’s Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cardinal Baltazar Porras also emphasized that “we all feel strengthened, with the grace of the Lord, to be better disciples, better missionaries of hope, joy, peace, and justice.”
The Venezuelan Cardinal, who is a member of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the Dicasteries for Clergy, Laity, Family, and Life; and Culture and Education, added that he shares many connections with the Ecuadorian people, such as history, devotion, and faith, as well as the fact that both Venezuelans and Ecuadorians have had to migrate.
In his message, he recalled that for a time, Ecuadorians traveled to Venezuela, while currently it is Venezuelans who are arriving in Ecuador.
He added that sharing the days of the International Eucharistic Congress feels “very close to his heart because history, both national and ecclesiastical, connects us.”
He mentioned one of the things he wishes to do while in Quito is to visit the tomb of Rafael Lasso de la Vega, Bishop in Quito, who had previously been in Mérida, Venezuela.
Finally, he wished that “the Lord bless all the people of Ecuador and bless the people of Quito.”
