The Solemn Mass for the 2006 Seoul Eucharistic Congress

The 2006 Seoul Eucharistic Congress ended with the Solemn Mass celebrated at the Catholic University of Korea on September 16, 2006. The 2006 Seoul Eucharistic Congress was convoked by His Eminence Nicholas Cardinal Cheong Jinsuk, Archbishop of Seoul, and begun with the opening Mass on June 18, 2006 in each parish in Seoul. The theme of the 2006 Seoul Eucharistic Congress was “Christ, Our Life.”

Cardinal Chung said, “Today is the day when St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon died a martyr 160 years ago. And we celebrate this Mass to follow his example witnessing the firm faith with his blood.” And he added, “As the descendants of martyrs we have to strive to be the true faithful who practice sacrifice, love and sharing, which are the spirit of the Eucharist, in the turbid world.” He said that he felt himself uneasy “when my mind extends to the North Korean who cannot even dare to dream a grand congress like this.” And he added, “We have to pray together for the descendents of the faith in North Korea to receive the gift of the Eucharist.”

Noteworthy was the dedication ceremony of the written pledge for organ donation and “saving a dime for the poor.” More than 64,000 priests and the laity participated in this campaign with the intention to be practical helping hands for the poor and the wretched.

More than 11,000 faithful participated in this celebration. And they prayed together and adored the Blessed Eucharist during the Eucharistic procession, reflecting and reaffirming their faith in the Blessed Eucharist.

This ceremony was broadcasted live via PBC TV and radio so that the faithful who could not present there might participate in the celebration.