Catholics can officially mark their calendars for the next International Eucharistic Congress, with its Secretary General Bishop Richard Umbers announcing the major gathering will take place in Sydney from September 24 to October 1, 2028. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
A theological symposium will precede the congress from September 20–22 for those wanting what the bishop describes as a theological “deep dive” into the Blessed Sacrament.
Named Eucharist28 by organisers, this will be the 54th International Eucharistic Congress. It has been hosted twice in Australia already: in Sydney in 1928, and Melbourne in 1973.
Last year Pope Leo XIV chose the theme “This is My Body, Given for You”, taken from the account of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples.
While he is yet to formally respond to the invitation issued by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Pope in February said “it’s still a way off, [but] I’ll be there”.
The highly anticipated congress is expected to draw pilgrims from across Australia and overseas.
Bishop Umbers is inviting people to begin preparing now through their parishes, schools and communities, and engage with the preparations already under way.
“An IEC is for everybody because the Eucharist makes the Church, the Church,” Bishop Umbers said.
He encouraged people to register their interest online at eucharist28.org and begin their own two-year Eucharistic journey by becoming involved in opportunities in their parishes, schools and other communities, or simply by engaging online in the lead-up to the event.
Harvest Journeys has been appointed the official group travel operator for Eucharist28, with plans to assist Australian and international dioceses, parishes, schools, communities and movements travelling to the congress.
“As groups from across Australia and the world make their way to Sydney, we want to ensure all the travel plans are taken care of so that the pilgrims can immerse themselves in the Eucharist28 experience,” Harvest Journeys chief executive Selina Hasham said.
Harvest will develop packages for groups attending the congress and plans to offer international visitors opportunities to see more of Australia, including the Blue Mountains, regional NSW, Queensland and central Australia.
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Dates announced for the International Eucharistic Congress 2028 (By Marilyn Rodrigues, The Catholic Weekly)
