“FOUR days of holy joy” are set to descend on Brisbane when it hosts the Adore 2006 Eucharistic Congress for young people next month.
The four-day congress will run from January 19-22. It is being organised by the youth sector of the Alliance of the Holy Family International (AHFI) and Mary Help of Christians Crusade (MHCC).
Its aim is to create awareness and love of prayer for young people aged 13-30 through the power of the Eucharist and the Rosary, inspired and guided by the patronage of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman will open the congress in the main auditorium at Brisbane City Hall.
Guest speakers will include AHFI spiritual director Fr Edgardo Arellano, Auxiliary Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney and Bishop Geoffery Jarrett of Lismore.
Doug Barry, the founder of RADIX, an international Catholic ministry that uses drama, music, comedy and history to evangelise, and Carlos Ibay, a blind pianist who has the voice of a tenor, will also feature during the event.
The four-day program will consist of morning prayer, using a mini version of the Liturgy of the Hours; daily Mass and Rosary; all-day exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and workshops to help young people understand topics such as youth dynamics, interaction, and witnessing.
Confession will be available at all times.
On January 21, a eucharistic procession will begin at Brisbane City Hall at 7.30pm and proceed down Elizabeth St to St Stephen’s Cathedral for benediction.
Lay Catholic groups are invited to join the procession and school banners are encouraged.
The four-day event costs $99 and includes meals and an event promo bag incorporating a commemorative T-shirt, rosary beads, prayer book, notebook and pen. Six meals are included in the price.
There will be a limited number of host families available for participants from outside Brisbane.
Arrangements have also been made with Griffith University to accommodate participants at $40 per day, which includes breakfast and return transport.
For information or to register e-mail Sonny Deverala at Amdeverala@optusnet.com.au or phone (0421) 437 752; Kevin O’Grady on (0411) 247 071 or Brendon Diente on (0423) 788 086.
