COLLEGE PARK—The feast of Corpus Christi approaches, and in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, that can only mean something big: it’s time for the Eucharistic Congress. The 19th annual congress will begin on Friday, June 20, and continue through the day on Saturday, June 21. All are invited to attend for all or part of the congress—to gather in prayer together with thousands of Catholics from around the southern United States, and to take time to worship the person of Jesus Christ in the gift of the Eucharist.

Thousands of participants from around the Archdiocese of Atlanta take part in the morning procession for the 18th Annual Eucharistic Congress at the Georgia International Convention Center. Photo By Michael Alexander

Some 30,000 people, the largest Catholic gathering in the region, are expected to converge on the Georgia International Convention Center, in College Park, adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As in years past, admission is free.

This vibrant event is hosted by the bishops of the Archdiocese of Atlanta: Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory and Bishops David P. Talley and Luis R. Zarama.  The theme of the 2014 Eucharistic Congress comes from Matthew 28:19, “Go and make disciples,” and reflects the call to evangelization in the Catholic Church today.

Friday offers healing, prayer

Bishop Zarama will celebrate Mass to begin the Eucharistic Congress on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. Immediately following at 7:45 p.m. is the healing service, led by Father Tim Hepburn, vocations director for the archdiocese, and Msgr. Jaime Barona. Teams of trained intercessors will be available to pray for individuals, in multiple languages, for healing of mind, body and soul.

Other Friday evening tracks are the Francophone Track, for French-speaking attendees, which begins at 8 p.m. with praise and worship music, and Revive!, the track for young adults 18 to 40, which includes music, a talk by an engaging speaker and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Saturday brings more opportunities to worship and learn

Saturday begins at 8:30 a.m. with the traditional grand opening Eucharistic procession of people from parishes, schools and ministries, followed by adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, will give the morning homily.

At 11 a.m. the tracks will open, with renowned speakers in English, Spanish, American Sign Language and Vietnamese providing inspiration and enlightenment with talks on living the faith and the importance of the Eucharist in the lives of Catholics. People of all ages are welcome to attend.

A separate children’s track, Adore!, will take place, but registration for this track is now closed.

As the tracks continue throughout the day on Saturday, exhibitors and vendors from Catholic orders and organizations will offer information and wares for those browsing in the Great Hall of the GICC.

The day will end with a vigil Mass for the solemnity of Corpus Christi at 5 p.m. in the main exhibit hall with main celebrant Archbishop Gregory, who will be assisted by various local and visiting clergy.

As always, the Eucharistic Congress is an opportunity for community for Catholics in the area—an opportunity to pray in adoration of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.