Cebu to host World Eucharistic confab

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City has been chosen by the Vatican as the site for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress to be held in 2016.

“It is an honor, a blessing accompanied with a heavy responsibility,” said Episcopal vicar Msgr. Esteban Binghay.

Pope Benedict XVI, during the 50th IEC in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday, announced that the next congress will be held in Cebu City.

“At the same time, I would like to invite you to join me in praying for God’s blessing upon the next International Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in 2016 in the city of Cebu!” the Pope said.

“To the people of the Philippines I send warm greetings and an assurance of my closeness in prayer during the period of preparation for this great ecclestial gathering. I am confident that it will bring lasting spiritual renewal not only to them but to all the participants from across the globe,” the Pope added.

Binghay told The FREEMAN that the event would be a huge responsibility for the Cebu Archdiocese, especially on accommodating foreign visitors and the venue preparation.

“You have to prepare for the place, the money, and the people,” he said.

Binghay said that with the city being the cradle of Christianity in the country, it is understandable why it was chosen from among other places in the Philippines.

For now, Binghay said the South Road Properties, the venue for the Thanksgiving Day Mass for the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on November 30, is the most viable area for the Congress, which is expected to draw 30,000 to 50,000 faithful from around the world. SRP can accommodate up to one million people.

To prepare for the event, Binghay said they would conduct catechesis, which they are currently doing to inform the people of Calungsod’s canonization on Oct. 21.

“After the canonization of Pedro Calungsod, we will conduct catechesis why is it (Congress) held here,” Binghay said.

As to the money for the big event, Binghay said they would request all bishops in the country to help raise the fund.

“The whole country will help for this event,” he said.

He said that national Church leaders will go to Cebu City to attend the event.

Binghay added that they would first meet to tackle the 2016 event after the Calungsod canonization. – (FREEMAN)