What to expect from the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress? US Bishop shares his expectations

A moving experience with his father on his deathbed forever marked the Eucharistic devotion of the Bishop of San José, California (United States), Bishop Oscar Cantú. Therefore, it is clear: the central thing of our faith is Jesus in the Eucharist and deepening our relationship with Him.

In an interview with ACI Prensa from the International Eucharistic Congress, which began this Sunday in Quito (Ecuador), the American prelate of Mexican parents assured that the importance of a Eucharistic Congress lies in integrating “theological formation with the sacramental and the devotional.”

“This attracts more people of faith, it is a true expression of faith,” continued the prelate originally from Houston, Texas.

After having experienced the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States, which at the end of July brought together some 60,000 attendees in Indianapolis, Bishop Cantú considers it relevant that the Church in the United States has “an idea of ​​how Eucharistic devotion to world level.”

“I grew up in a Hispanic community in the United States, and I have seen how that devotion is lived, how the processions touch the heart and are emotional. But I am also interested in seeing what devotions come from other parts of the world,” she commented.

For this reason, he assures that the International Eucharistic Congress “is a clear opportunity to return to the core of our faith, which is Jesus in the Eucharist… This is what fulfills us as Christians, as Catholics.”

“It is important to remember that Christ is already active in the hearts of those who are called. They do not reach the Eucharist without Christ, in his word and grace, already being present in them. The Second Vatican Council speaks of the four presences of Christ in the Eucharist: in his people, in the celebrant, in the proclaimed word, and of course, in the Eucharistic elements,” recalled Bishop Cantú, who is also a Doctor in Theology.

This encounter of the Christian with the Blessed Sacrament “is a path that the Holy Spirit guides us to travel, to meet Christ, and Christ takes us to the Father,” he added.

“This Congress is an opportunity to deepen that relationship with Him and be nourished to bring that presence of Christ to our communities, to our homes, to our jobs,” he said.

Finally, he invited the faithful to, beyond paying attention to the presentations and observing the faith and devotion of the Church during these days, “we let’s take a few moments of silencebecause that is where Christ wants to speak to us, with all our conscience and our heart.”

The profound experience of Bishop Cantú with Jesus in the Eucharist

During the interview, Bishop Cantú shared a personal reflection on his experience with Jesus in the Eucharist, based on his 30 years as a priest and 16 as a bishop.

“Throughout these years, there have been times when I have felt tired or overwhelmed by a crisis. Sometimes, as I sit in my chapel in the morning to talk to Jesus, I find myself speechless. I know He is present, but sometimes I just sit and tell Him, ‘Here I am.’ Although I do not always perceive his presence intensely, something happens when I celebrate Mass, even in the intimacy of my chapel. The words of the Eucharist and the prayers of the Church touch my heart, open it and turn on the light of Christ,” he said.

Likewise, Bishop Cantú is fully certain that the relationship with the Eucharist has been a source of strength throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry. “In those moments of fatigue or difficulty, the Eucharist is what fills me again. Through the celebration of the Mass, I encounter Christ in a unique way, and I know that He is always there, giving me His light and His peace.”

A Eucharistic experience that marked his life

The American prelate recalled a moving Eucharistic experience from his time as a priest that he considers miraculous, when his father, on his deathbed, managed to receive Jesus in Communion, a moment that left a deep mark on him.

“My father was paralyzed, and my mother took care of him at home. We, his eight children, whenever we could, helped with whatever was needed. For my dad, as a Hispanic man, it was difficult not being able to dress himself or do things for himself. He suffered a lot in his ego, he did not understand why, after having worked so much during his life, in his old age he was going through this. “He went into a pretty deep depression,” he said.

“I remember one moment in particular when I went to visit him. He didn’t respond, he didn’t talk to my mom or me. I spoke to him, but he didn’t get a response. Finally, when my time to return to my parish was running out, I said to him: ‘Daddy, I brought the Eucharist, do you want to receive it?’ Immediately, he looked me straight in the eyes and said ‘yes’. He took my mother’s hand and we began to pray together. “My teacher father prayed all the prayers with us,” she said.

“He listened, but did not respond to his son or his wife. However, When I mentioned the presence of Christ, he responded with that hope of someone who is in the darkness… and sometimes, just mentioning Jesus Christ gives us hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he concluded.