Sydney International Eucharistic Congress dates announced

A theological symposium will precede the congress from September 20-22 for those wanting what Bishop Umbers 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 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Pope in February said “it’s still a long way off, [but] I’ll be there”.

The highly anticipated Congress is expected to draw pilgrims from across Australia and overseas.

New Zealand-born Bishop Umbers, who is an auxiliary bishop in Sydney, 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 said the congress centres on the profound gift Catholics believe they receive in the Eucharist.

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.

Its CEO, Selina Hasham, said the organisation was “delighted and honoured” at the appointment.

“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,” she said.

FULL STORY

Dates announced for Sydney’s 2028 International Eucharistic Congress (By Marilyn Rodrigues/The Catholic Weekly)

News | Dates announced for the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress (IEC)

Bishop Richard Umbers (Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney)