Jan 24, 2008 / 16:43 pm
Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec announced this week an immigrant assistance program will be launched during the upcoming 49th International Eucharistic Congress which will be held in the Canadian city June 15-22.
During the months leading up to the Congress, special collections will be taken up to provide assistance to immigrants and refugees, the cardinal explained in an interview with L’Osservatore Romano. At the conclusion of the Congress, the funds will be given to a foundation dedicated to helping immigrants
He called the initiative “a testimony to the liberating force” that comes from the Eucharist and allows Christians “to live in the world with eyes enlightened by hope and compassion.”
Asked about other initiatives that will be part of the Eucharistic Congress, the Archbishop of Quebec pointed to other programs aimed at reaching out to immigrants, with special emphasis in themes related to the family. “We foresee that during the final days of the Congress we will have a program dedicated to the family, its problems and its potentialities for the mission of the Church in the world,” he said.