Canada: Essex catechist to read at international Eucharistic Congress Mass

A member of St Edward the Confessor RC parish in Romford, Essex is scheduled to proclaim one of the Scripture readings at the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada. Joseph Sowerby is the lead catechist for Eucharistic Adoration in St Edward's parish, and organises monthly days of Adoration and an annual "Forty Hours" celebration in the parish. Joseph said: "The concluding Mass Statio Orbis is the focus and high point of the whole Eucharistic Congress, a visible expression of the communion of the whole Church. To be asked to read at this Mass is a tremendous privilege. I feel as if I will be representing the Eucharistic devotion of my parish to the universal Church". The concluding Mass Statio Orbis will be celebrated on Sunday at 11am Canadian time (4pm UK time). The Mass will be celebrated in the Plains of Abraham park in Quebec City. The principal celebrant is Josef Cardinal Tomko, the Pope's representative to the Eucharistic Congress. Pope Benedict XVI will preach at the Mass via a satellite link from Rome. Fr Julian Green, the National Delegate for England and Wales for the Eucharistic Congress, said: "The Eucharistic Congress calls us all to celebrate and to renew our faith in Jesus who is truly present as the Eucharist, gift of God for the life of the world. The participation of a delegation from England and Wales in the Congress should encourage Catholics throughout England and Wales in their Eucharistic devotion". Source: Correspondent