By Jim Fair
A FLASH mob of 2200 students from six schools waving a Eucharistic flag and singing as one descended on the steps of the largest church in Hungary to open the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress in Esztergom on September 5.
The flash mob was organised in front of the Basilica of Esztergom.
The flash mob was seen not only by locals but also by many of the participants of the International Theological Symposium, held in the city.
Students were singing the anthem of the 1938 Eucharistic Congress, approaching the iconic location from five directions, finally forming a huge cross in front of the Basilica stairs.
Surprisingly the first person to step out from the Basilica was not local parish priest Csaba Török, but Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő.
He spoke about the youth being an integral part of the world event.
Youth is the sign of joy and hope, which the world is in great need of, he said.
Afterward, he blessed the volunteers of the congress and all those who dedicated themselves with work and prayers to support the congress organisation.
Pope Francis is set to celebrate the congress’ closing Mass on September 12.
“The arrival of the Holy Father will be a great sign of hope, even after a year and a half of pandemic,” Cardinal Erdo told Vatican News.
“A sign of openness, of rebirth, and also a sign that divine providence does not leave us alone.
“It will therefore be a joyful event.”
The Congress began on September 5 in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square with a grandiose opening ceremony including the performance of a choir of one thousand singers.
This event was also the opening mass of all Hungarian Catholic schools and a Eucharistic celebration, as vast numbers are going to partake of the First Communion on that day.
This story was republished with permission from Exaudi.org
