Year of the Eucharist (International Eucharistic Congress)<br/><br/>

The 48th International Eucharistic Congress which has been convened in Mexico from October 10 to 17, 2004 is a success. The Holy Father Pope John Paul II has designated the year period between this congress and the World Youth Day to be held in August in Cologne, Germany as the Year of the Eucharist. To respond to the recommendation of the Pope to this full apostolic zeal, the archdiocese of Toronto is calling all parishes to organize more activities to adore the Holy Eucharist. The Cardinal also requests the presiding priests to elaborate the mystery of the Holy Eucharist during their homily. Praise to the Holy Spirit for the guidance! Our parish has started since March in 2003 on a daily basis (Monday to Friday) to have a Holy Hour from 7 pm to 8 pm for the adoration of the Holy Eucharist. We first started this hour to pray for the peace in Iraq. After the war, we continue to have this hour of prayers for the needs of our parish.<br/><br/>

The purpose of the adoration of the Holy Eucharist is to accompany Jesus. When He was praying in the garden of Gethsemane, had He not said to His three disciples, “Could you not keep watch for an hour?”<br/><br/>

To observe mass with an ardent heart and endeavour every opportunity to receive the Holy Eucharist are also excellent ways of virtuous adoration.<br/><br/>

Please pray for the World Youth Day in 2005 and adore the Holy Eucharist with a fervent and pious heart.