Ireland: RTÉ to broadcast live from Meath Diocesan Eucharistic Congress

Parishioners from the 69 parishes of the Diocese of Meath in Ireland are making plans to attend the first ever Diocesan Eucharistic Congress. This festival of faith will be held in St Mary's Church, Navan, this weekend 14 - 16 October 2011. The organisers are confident that it will help parishioners prepare for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in the RDS and Croke Park which will take place on 10 - 17 June 2012.

This faith gathering in the Diocese of Meath, entitled 'Come and See', has received hundreds of reservations and more are anticipated in the run up to the event. It will feature 25 guest speakers from the world of spirituality, sport and music.

Their personal testimony will focus on the place of the Eucharist in their lives and how the celebration of the Mass can nourish the lives of our parish communities.

RTÉ Radio 1's new Saturday with Charlie Bird programme will broadcast live from the Congress in Navan, and the show will include an audience and panel chaired by Charlie Bird. Up to 30 participants will take part in a discussion addressing their experience of the Catholic Church and their hopes for the future. The programme will
run for an hour on Saturday 15 October from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

This three-day Eucharistic Congress features several well-known personalities who will speak about the place of faith in their lives including: Mickey Harte, Dame Nuala O'Loan, musician Frances Black and All-Ireland winning Dublin footballer Ger Brennan. There will be a separate youth section for people aged 18-35, with events and speakers focused on sharing faith with young people, especially the Sunday Mass.

Speaking about his expectations for the event, Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath said: "This special gathering will, I hope, help parishioners to reflect on their faith. All attending the Meath Diocesan Eucharistic Congress will, no doubt, benefit and learn from hearing the testimonial witness of people who live their faith each day in different circumstances, and who inspire us by their example and courage."

Commenting on Ireland's hosting of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 next June in Dublin, Bishop Smith said: "I believe that now, in Ireland, there has never been a more appropriate time to reflect on our faith and give witness to others. 'Come and See' will also help us prepare for next year's International Eucharistic Congress. 'Come and See' is an invitation to all our parishioners to come and see how our faith in Jesus Christ can refresh our own lives and renew our communities."

Meath Diocesan Eucharistic Congress organiser John Howard said: "Each of us has a role to play in celebrating and living the Eucharist. The Congress is an opportunity and an invitation to renew our commitment to creating parishes where 'Communion with Christ and one another' is real, and has a real potential to renew the community of faith that gathers. All are welcome to what will be a faith enriching experience."