Canberra and Goulburn Catholics gathered at a Eucharistic Retreat Day on Saturday, one of the archdiocese’s first opportunities to prepare spiritually for the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney. Source: Catholic Voice.
Led by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Sydney, the retreat invited participants to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, teaching, silence and Eucharistic adoration.
About 100 people attended the retreat at Sacred Heart Primary School, Pearce.
For Sacred Heart religious education coordinator Laura Matchett, bringing the sisters to Canberra was an easy decision.
“I was so struck by what they said, their openness and their vulnerability and the way they spoke about their own struggles with faith,” Ms Matchett said. “I thought that was a message we all need to hear.”
She said preparing for the International Eucharistic Congress offered an opportunity to rediscover a gift that can easily be overlooked.
“We’re told all the time that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, but I think sometimes, especially in Australia, we can take that for granted. Being reminded how sacred and special it is to receive the Eucharist is a really powerful message.”
Parish Priest Fr Emil Milat said the strong attendance reflected a genuine hunger to understand the mystery of the Eucharist more deeply.
“People know there’s something mysterious and wonderful about the Eucharist, but it’s easy to grow used to it and take it for granted.
“When you’ve got women who have given their lives to Jesus, people instinctively know they’ll help unlock something deeper.”
Sister Joanna Marie believes that longing to know Christ is what brought people together.
“I think Jesus draws them,” she said. “People have a sense that God is a good and loving Father, and they want to know more of that goodness and love.”
She also believes people are searching for something the modern world often lacks.
“People need each other. The world is a lonely place right now. People want hope, and they want to know they’re not on this journey alone.”
As preparations continue for the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress, the retreat reminded participants that the Eucharist remains the heart of Catholic life – drawing people into communion with Christ and with one another.
FULL STORY
A retreat to prepare hearts for the Eucharistic Congress (By Jeanine Doyle, Catholic Voice)
