Everything is in place for Quito to host the largest Eucharistic experience of faith in an environment of fraternal unity within the Universal Church. This was stated by Monsignor Alfredo Espinoza Mateus, SDB, Metropolitan Archbishop of Quito and Primate of Ecuador, during a press conference held on the morning of Thursday, August 29, at the headquarters of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference.

Monsignor Espinoza Mateus explained that before the Eucharistic Congress, a Theological Symposium will be held at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. This symposium will feature prominent personalities and academics from around the world, who will reflect on the theme “Fraternity to Heal the World.”

He highlighted that delegations from 53 countries will be attending the Congress, making it both a great privilege and a significant challenge for the Church in Ecuador and the city of Quito to welcome thousands of participants who will delve into the theme of the Congress: “Fraternity to Heal the World.”

The Archbishop of Quito, who chairs the organizing committee for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, also informed that on Sunday, September 8, and Sunday, September 15, no morning Masses will be celebrated in the various parishes of the Archdiocese of Quito. This decision is to facilitate the faithful’s participation in the opening and closing Masses of the Congress, which will be held at 10:00 AM and will be historic events for the Church in Quito and Ecuador.

The Importance of the Eucharistic Congress

In his address, Apostolic Nuncio to Ecuador, Monsignor Andrés Carrascosa Coso, emphasized that an Eucharistic Congress is the most important event for the Church. He noted that it returns to Latin America after 20 years, following the previous Congress held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2004.

He also announced that the Papal Legate for the Congress will be Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo, Emeritus Archbishop of Caracas, replacing Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who cannot attend due to health issues requiring hospitalization.

Monsignor Carrascosa added that the new Papal Legate is well-acquainted with Latin America, Ecuador, and specifically Quito. Cardinal Porras will arrive on Saturday, September 7, and during an evening Vespers celebration at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito at 5:00 PM, he will present the Papal delegation letter, marking the beginning of his mission to preside over the Congress and the Statio Orbis Mass on Sunday, September 15.

The representative of the Holy See in Ecuador also revealed that Pope Francis will not be able to attend the solemn Statio Orbis due to a pastoral journey through several countries in Asia, including Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore.

Quito’s Pride in Hosting the Congress

Quito’s Mayor, Pabel Muñoz, expressed that the capital is thrilled and proud to host the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress. He mentioned that the city has been working closely with the organizing committee to ensure that the international and national delegations are received with the renowned hospitality of the people of Quito.

“Quito becomes the global and Latin American hub for this very important event,” said the mayor, emphasizing the city’s readiness to welcome visitors warmly. “The only risk is that people might want to stay or return to Quito as soon as possible,” he added, hinting that the city will provide all necessary security measures.

The mayor also stressed the importance of the Congress’s theme, “Fraternity to Heal the World,” as it addresses the social fragmentation, polarization, and the marginalized masses that continue to affect society. He announced that the theme will also be promoted within the municipal scope of Quito.

Additionally, he reported that, for the international event, the Metropolitan Mobility Company and the Quito Metro will offer a prepaid card with various amounts to facilitate transportation on the Quito Metro.

Quito: Eucharistic City at the Center of the World

The press conference also featured contributions from José Luis Álvarez and María Elena Alsina, lay faithful, who highlighted that the event is open to all Catholic faithful as well as those who do not share the faith, since fraternity is universal.

Father Juan Carlos Garzón, General Secretary of the IEC 2024, detailed the Congress’s program, noting that during the opening Mass on Sunday, September 8, around 1,700 children from various parishes in the Archdiocese of Quito will receive their First Communion. The closing Mass or Statio Orbis, scheduled for Sunday, September 15, at the same time, will be presided over by the Papal Legate, Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo.

Daily Schedule of the IEC 2024

The International Eucharistic Congress will feature a rich agenda of conferences, testimonies, dialogues, and cultural and artistic activities centered around the theme “Fraternity to Heal the World.”

Monday, September 9: Wounded World The Congress will begin with reflections on personal and global wounds. Spanish Catholic filmmaker Juan Manuel Cotelo will address this theme, followed by a discussion with Dr. Rodrigo Guerra, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Latin America, and Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz, who will discuss the city’s wounds.

Tuesday, September 10: Redeemed Fraternity in Christ The theme of human fraternity, despite being marred by sin and division, finding redemption in Christ, will be explored by Sister Daniela Cannavina, General Secretary of the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR). Testimonies will include those of significant faith witnesses like Friar Antonio de Montesinos OP, Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, and Monsignor Leonidas Proaño.

Film Forum: Juan Manuel Cotelo will present his film “The Greatest Gift” at a forum at the Metropolitan Convention Center of Quito at 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, September 11: Eucharist and Transfiguration of the World Monsignor Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, Minnesota, will address this theme, and Monsignor José Ignacio Munilla will speak on “The Sacred Heart of Jesus: A Demand for Fraternity.”

Thursday, September 12: A Synodal Church Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, General Vicar of His Holiness for the Vatican City State, and Mary Wu, Advisor to the Council for Lay Apostolate of the Taipei Archdiocese, China, will discuss this topic.

Masses in Various Languages: Various churches in Quito’s historic center will hold Masses in different languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Kichwa, Portuguese, and Chinese, starting at 6:00 PM.

Friday, September 13: Eucharist: Psalm of Fraternity Pablo Martínez (Argentina) will discuss the Eucharist as the highest expression of gratitude and communion with God and others.

Youth Concert: Catholic singer-songwriter Pablo Martínez (Argentina) will perform a concert with groups like Solideo, Los Padrecitos, and singer Marco Antonio Espín. This event will take place at the CCMQ from 5:00 PM.

Talk – The Pedagogy of the Heart: Bishop Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante will give a talk titled “The Pedagogy of the Heart” for educators, parents, and the general public at the Basilica of the Dolorosa at 6:00 PM.

Final Note: Several activities will be open to all faithful, including the large gatherings on Sunday, September 8 (opening Mass), Sunday, September 15 (Statio Orbis Mass), Saturday, September 14 (Eucharist and procession), and the multilingual Masses on Thursday, September 12.

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