The bishops urged support for the African National Eucharistic Congress | Tech Reddy

By Mark Pattison

BALTIMORE (CNS) – U.S. bishops have encouraged sending participants and attending the National Eucharistic Congress of Africa, set for July 21-23 in Washington, D.C.

Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle Eusebio L. In a Nov. 16 address to the bishops, Elizondo told them the congress, known as ANEC, would be “interesting” beyond the seminars that are part of the multi-day gathering. According to him, the schedule of the congress will include Masses, eucharistic procession, rosary procession and cultural celebrations.

“ANEC is the right foundation for a new evangelization, an opportunity for all of us – dioceses, parishes, religious congregations, associations and others – to address the pastoral needs of African Catholics in the United States,” he said.

“Your presence will be a great inspiration to those who attend and will make ANEC a success.”

Next year’s African National Eucharistic Congress will be the fourth of its kind. It will be held at the Catholic University of America in Washington. The congress is held every five years.

It’s not just for African Catholics, Bishop Elizondo said, “for those who serve among them or are interested in participating and accompanying this vibrant growing segment of the Catholic Church in the United States.”

The congress will hold sessions on immigration, governance, evangelism and “proclaiming the Gospel across borders,” the bishop said.

“I invite you to meet with African Catholics in the diaspora,” he continued, because this “creates a relationship of deep union with Christ, the Church and their shepherd.”

“Also, I believe this is a great opportunity to meet young people and their needs, to have vocations such as conjugal holiness, holy life and, of course, the priesthood,” he added.

There is also time in the schedule for a bishop meeting with young people. “It’s going to be a great experience for a lot of us,” he said.

Bishop Elizondo, Bishop Andrew H. of Crookston, Minnesota. Cozzens, who currently leads the National Eucharistic Revival of the US bishops, will lead a session called “United in the Eucharist” and Cardinal Wilton D. of Washington. Gregory said he would celebrate Mass. The congress is at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, adjacent to the Catholic University.