The 50th

International Eucharistic Congress

Dublin 10th to 17th June 2012

As part of our Nursing Centre & Community celebrations, marking the start 50th International Eucharistic Congress, we joined the pilgrims in Dublin by holding a Eucharistic Procession. After the Mass of Corpus Christi, celebrated in the Nursing Centre chapel, we processed through the grounds and ended with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on the steps of the Monastery. We were delighted that nearly all our residents were able to take part.

The Procession and Benediction brought back many memories for our residents of the Corpus Christi celebrations of their younger days. Such events were common place in earlier times in most parishes.

Paddy Connaughton helps with the preparations for Benediction on the Monastery steps

Paddy with Brother Augustine organising the grounds

The front steps of the Monastery ready for Benediction

The Celebrations started with the Mass for Corpus Christi in the Nursing Centre chapel

Processing from the Nursing Centre

Fr Roul (a Camillian Father from Benin, West Africa) blesses the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament at the end of the procession

The Congregation, made up of our residents, their families and friends, members of our staff, the Camillian Community and members of our Sunday congregation

Mr Tommy Egerton with his family after the procession

Following Benediction, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration in the Monastery chapel

Pictures courtesy of Joe Duffy & Paddy Creevy. All images have been used with the consent of the persons portrayed.

International Eucharistic Congress - Speading Devotion Since 1881

The first International Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille, France on 21st June 1881. It was the inspiration of Bishop Gaston de Segur and had a very local flavour. Over the years it grew into the large world-wide gathering it is today. Some of the more noteworthy congresses was the 8th Congress held in Jerusalem in 1893 and the 19th held in London in 1908.

Cardinal Bourne, Archbishop of Westminster, invited the Congress to London and it was the first in an English speaking nation. As the years have gone on, the Congress has become a more and more international event.

In 1907 it was held in Metz, Lorraine. The German government (Lorraine beeing part of the German Empire) suspended a law dating back to 1870 which outlawed processions in order that the traditional Blessed Sacrament Procession may take place.

In 1932 the 31st International Eucharistic Congress was held in Dublin for the first time. It marked the 15ooth anniversary of the arrival of St. Patrick.