“A deeply moving spiritual event”: Nigerian Catholic Archbishop on International Eucharistic Congress 2024 in Ecuador

Over 20,000 people participated in the Eucharistic Congress that coincided with the 150th anniversary of Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

More than 1,500 children received their First Holy Communion during the September 8 opening Mass of the Eucharistic Congress realized under the theme, “Fraternity to Heal the World.”

In his reflection, Archbishop Kaigama, acknowledges the diversity of the participant in the IEC 2024, and says that despite the variety of races, nationalities, and tribes, the Eucharist served as a powerful call for unity among the people of God.

“All the prayers, talks, testimonies (from families, and countries like Ukraine, and Palestine) interventions, hymns, homilies, processions and even cultural displays were rooted in the Holy Eucharist – our source of healing, reconciliation and unity despite our cultural, geographical, social status, economic inequality,”  he says.

He continues, “Intense and fervent prayers went on during the very impressive Congress as people were kneeling in humble adoration and active participation in daily Masses, fervent prayers for themselves, their loved ones, their work, their families, their health, their beloved communities, countries and problems of the whole world.”

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For the Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019, “the Eucharist must lead us to good charitable actions. After the Priest says, ‘Go in peace the Mass is ended,’ we must be like the ‘gang priest’ who addressed us and whose work is mainly with those in difficulties with the law.”

He goes on to laud the corporal works of mercy, saying they “must lead us no matter how little, to come to the aid of the hungry, thirsty, sick, prisoners, unjustly treated, socially deprived.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.