Ouellet hopes pope will attend Eucharistic Congress

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Ottawa

Cardinal Marc Ouellet returned to Canada from Rome Nov. 29 with no final answer on whether the pope will attend the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress next June in Quebec City.

"I am still praying and hoping and asking people for prayer because it would be a great blessing to welcome the Holy Father with his charism."We need his word, his wonderful word, here in Quebec City on this occasion. It would be an extraordinary support to the effort of the Church to re-centre its activity and its faith in the Holy Eucharist, which is so important.

How does the Quebec archbishop deal with the suspense?

"I tell you, it is not easy," Ouellet said in an interview from Quebec City Dec. 3.

Ouellet said previously an answer would be needed before Christmas.

"Do we really need an answer six months ahead of time or can we wait a little more?" he said, noting he did not want to push too hard in Rome and get a negative answer. "I prefer to let them have more time."

The pope told him he is still reflecting on his decision. Ouellet believes the main obstacle is the impact of intercontinental trips on the 80-year-old pope's stamina, especially since he is going to New York and Washington in April and to Sydney Australia for World Youth Day in July.

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