CHRIST IN US, OUR HOPE OF GLORY

51ST IEC 2016

The young people have the chance to meditate on the mystery of the Eucharist and
inparticular in relation to Mary our Mother. How can the young people love the Eucharist? What
God gave us a remembrance?

CHRIST IN US, OUR HOPE OF GLORY, This was the theme of the 51st International

Eucharistic Congress held in Cebu. The religious priests, nuns, brothers and lay people, tackled

the seven tracks at the Cebu Doctors University in Mandaue City, Cebu and the Youth from

Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, gathered at the different sites in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The

Youth have their own activities different from those who are at the Cebu Doctors University.

First, all the Youth participants were sent to their respective foster parish and then distributed to

their respective foster family for three days. Together with them, they encountered Mary and the

Eucharist through some activities. Before leaving them, the Youth gave a simple token, an

image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a Crucifix. And then followed by the gospel and reflection

sharing. A simple remembrance for the poor families for them to remember that there are young

people who became their sons and daughters who brought them the presence of Mary and the

Eucharist, the joy and peace. Having a deep faith that there is always Christ in us, our hope of

glory.In their foster parish, they have the Eucharistic celebration with very memorable homily

of bishops. After the mass, there was a barrio fiesta and a bonding with their foster family.

Early in the morning they were gathered in their foster parish for the final activity. Right

after, the most awaited and last event, the youth where all gathered at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-

Lapu City, Cebu and they were reminded by the Church to have a deeper love for the Eucharist.

Together with some religious priests, nuns, brothers and lay, they joined as one to sing and dance
with the official theme song, CHRIST IN US, OUR HOPE OF GLORY. A great crowd

experienced a goose bumps, overwhelmed with joy and tears in thanking the Lord. They had the

talks from bishops and priests, a testimony from a family, entertainment activities, a long

procession and most especially an encounter with Mary and the Eucharist within the Eucharistic

Celebration and Holy Hour.

Since our life grows together with us, we need motivation to own this in the fullness.It is

the word of God which motivates us to the Eucharist. We are weak. We are sinners.But we must

do the will of God.It is the will of God for us to take, bless, break and share of lives. He gave us

a remembrance, the Eucharist. The Lord is always with us till the end of time, he gave us

direction, strength to be connected to one another and to Mary our Mother.

Our devotion and love to Mary supports our devotion and love to the Holy Eucharist.

Therefore, we cannot easily forget the IEC and we have the duty to always bring out the

message of hope they contain and to be true to the mission of bringing Christ to other people as

their hope of glory.