Irish Ticket goes to Quebec

Local Catholics have their own reasons for going to Eucharistic Congress

- WCR photo by Ramon Gonzalez John Daly was inspired to attend the Quebec Eucharistic Congress by a train ticket left by his father who went to a similar event in Ireland.

By LASHA MORNINGSTAR
WCR News Editor
Edmonton

A worn multi-coloured ticket the size of three postage stamps. John Daly found it tucked away in a drawer of his family home in County Westmead, Ireland.

"It was the tiny little train ticket my father used to go to the congress on the 26th of June in 1932."

The congress was the 31st International Eucharistic Congress held in Dublin, June 21 to 26, 1932. As well as being an international Catholic event, it also underlined the Irish Free State as a Catholic nation.

Daly saved the ticket.

So when he saw a story in the WCR saying the congress was going to be held in Canada, Daly decided to attend in memory of his dad.

"It's a once in a lifetime blessing in every way," says Daly.

A retired oilfield worker, Daly said his faith "means everything. You either live your faith or you are just another animal."

Daly is one of 182 people in the Edmonton Archdiocese who have so far registered to attend the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City June 15 to 22. The theme of the Congress is The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World.

Delegates travelling from the Edmonton Archdiocese to the congress each have their own reason for attending this faith-filled happening

Suzanne Foisy-Moquin says she is going because she wants to "deepen my understanding of the power of the Eucharist and become closer to God through Mass, adoration, procession and power of prayer."

A religious education consultant for the francophone school district and high school religion teacher, Foisy-Moquin shares, "It will be an intense rich week in one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. I do hope I come back transformed and full of joy.

"I am French Canadian and I really feel drawn to this kind of an event. Quebec is in dire need of something like this. Its society has detached themselves from their spiritual roots. And it is really reflected in their lives."

The international aspect appeals to Foisy-Moquin. "Mingling with people from all over the world with the same faith - that is going to be very powerful."

But it is her faith that is paramount.

"I hope to deepen my own relationship with Christ through the Mass and adoration, procession through the street and deepen our understanding of the transforming power of the Eucharist.

"Christ is there. He is relevant. He has something to say in a post modern society and I really think that his power in the world will shine.

"I hope when I come back I will be aglow with a new light and commitment to do God's work."

Fast on the heels of the congress, Foisy- Moquin and her husband Yves will fly to Rome to renew their marriage vows at St. Peter's Basilica.

Faith-filled summer

"It will be a rich, faith-filled summer," says Foisy-Moquin.

Mother of two, Adrienne Luong says she and her husband are going to the congress for three main reasons: "to gain a better understanding of the role the Eucharist plays in our everyday lives; to strengthen our spiritual relationship with each other; and to be able to teach our children what we've learned, so they can better understand the gift of the Eucharist when they make their first communions."

Both grew up in Catholic families and "as adults, each of us continued to learn about the faith and be involved in Catholic groups for young adults.

"I was involved with Catholic Christian Outreach while attending the University of Regina, and Joe was active with the young adult group at the Chinese Catholic Parish, Ephphatha House, and Ligouri Circle."

The relative intimacy of the congress appeals to the couple.

"After WYD 2005, we felt we were past the age of such a massive pilgrimage like that, so we wanted to attend the IEC, since it will be a smaller event, and allow us to focus on the spiritual journey, " says Adrienne.

"My husband Joe and I will be travelling with 20 other people from the young adult group at St. Joseph's Basilica. We met each other through this group in 2003, and travelled together to WYD in Germany as newlyweds.

"After returning from Germany, our young adult group decided we wanted to go to Quebec, and began preparing for the journey since that time. Our group feels it is a good chance to take the opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist - the centre and pillar of our Catholic faith."

And then there is the draw to Quebec itself. "Quebec will be celebrating its 400-year anniversary at the same time. Our Catholic faith in Canada was born in Quebec, and many of our Canadian saints are from that region.

Historical roots

"Quebec and Canada's history is entwined with the history of the Catholic Church in Canada. We are anxious to see the place where the holy men and women taught and shared the faith."

Going to such a powerful spiritual event has the potential to evoke a transformation in the pilgrims.

Adrienne hopes so.

"I hope to bring back a more compassionate heart, and one that is more open to serving the needs of others, especially the poor. I want to bring back a great sense of joy, and hope that this joy will show on my face, so that my family will benefit from it as well.

"I hope this experience will instill a deeper desire to pray for the needs of the community, and give me the courage to share my faith with others, and serve the community and the Church's needs."

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