Fruits of the IEC

GO. Week-long spiritual interaction has had many beneficial effects on delegates’ lives.

It’s been months since the 51st International Eucharistic Congress was held in Cebu City. What have been the “sustainable” fruits of the key spiritual conference held in insightful tribute to the Holy Eucharist?

We checked with the Catholic Congress’ head of promotions, Elvira Go, and she gratifiedly shared with us that both foreign and Filipino delegates have informed her that the spiritual interaction has had many beneficial effects in their communal and personal lives.

Some cited a rise in religious vocations among the lay attendees and students, while others shared that interacting with so many Catholics from all over the world and listening to the insightful talks of the congress’ well-chosen guest speakers deepened their appreciation for how powerfully God works and “moves” in devotees’ lives.

Testimonies

Especially appreciated by the delegates were the testimonies of individual Catholics, otherwise “ordinary” and obscure individuals who have faced daunting tests—and surmounted them with God’s “hands-on” help.

Also deemed “uniquely Filipino” by some delegates was the “visceral proof” of our fervent faith, as demonstrated not just by the big procession that was one of the congress’ highlights, but also by personal interactions among Christians.

Another key insight was the relatively new development that has transformed the Philippines from a land whose spiritual needs were previously attended to by missionaries from the United States and Europe, to a nation that now sends its own missionaries all over the world to spread God’s word.

Even some of our overseas contract workers are credited with being lay missionaries to other lands, because their vibrant faith has energized the dwindling Catholic fervor in the countries in which they work and live.

Some delegates were similarly impressed by the “flaming” faith of Filipino youths—a dramatic contrast to the situation in some parishes abroad, where only a few seniors go to church, while many young people blithely stay away.

It isn’t just a matter of comparative numbers—even more moving to some delegates was the joy that Filipino Catholics find and feel in their spiritual lives.

It took great effort to stage the IEC in Cebu City, so it’s eminently gratifying for its organizers that its fruits have been so abundant—and constant!