Eucharistic Congress to hold special Mass in nursing homes

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress (IEC2012) will reach out to those in nursing homes across the country with a special commemorative Mass in this coming week.

The theme of the Mass links into one of the daily Congress themes: 'Communion with Christ and with One Another in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in Nursing Homes and Places of Care'.

This special Mass in nursing homes will give residents and staff the opportunity to mark the Eucharistic Congress by participating in the celebration.

This nationwide initiative in private and voluntary nursing homes is a partnership between IEC2012, Nursing Homes Ireland, and the Federation of Catholic Voluntary Nursing Homes.

Secretary General of IEC2012, Fr Kevin Doran, said that those who are sick or frail due to old age must always have a central place in the ministry of the Church, as they had in the ministry of Jesus. "It is an essential element of the mission of the Church today that we continue to seek ways of keeping people in communion even when they are no longer visible in the community on a daily basis."

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said the Mass is an integral part of the outreach of the Congress. "It will ensure that the theme of the Congress: The Eucharist; Communion with Christ and with One Another', reaches beyond the boundaries of the RDS and Croke Park into the hearts and minds of all to whom the Eucharist gives meaning and life and particularly to our brothers and sisters, resident in the many nursing homes throughout the country." Archbishop Martin will celebrate Mass in St. Mary's in the Phoenix Park on 5 June.

Rosemarie Nolan, Chairperson of the Federation of Catholic and Voluntary Nursing Homes said the Mass "allows residents to celebrate the International Eucharist Congress within their community in union with all participating in the official ceremonies in Dublin."