A Tradition That Has Inspired the World

The International Eucharistic Congress is one of the Catholic Church's most significant international gatherings. For more than 140 years, it has brought together bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful from every continent to celebrate, deepen and proclaim faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The first Congress was held in Lille, France, in 1881, inspired by the vision of Émilie-Marie Tamisier, a French laywoman whose deep love for the Eucharist encouraged a renewed public witness to the central mystery of the Catholic faith. With the support of Church leaders, what began as a single gathering soon grew into an international movement that continues to inspire millions of Catholics around the world.

Since then, International Eucharistic Congresses have been held approximately every four years in major cities across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Each host city becomes a place of pilgrimage where people from many nations gather for a week of liturgical celebrations, Eucharistic processions, theological reflection, catechesis, cultural exchange and missionary outreach. The Holy Father traditionally participates in the Congress personally or appoints a Papal Legate to represent him, highlighting its importance in the life of the universal Church.

Australia has hosted the Congress once before, when Melbourne welcomed the 40th International Eucharistic Congress in 1973 under the theme "Christ the Bread of Life." It was a landmark moment in the history of the Church in Australia, drawing pilgrims from around the world and leaving a lasting legacy of faith and renewal.

In 2028, that extraordinary privilege returns as Sydney hosts the 54th International Eucharistic Congress. More than half a century after Melbourne, Australia will once again welcome the universal Church, inviting pilgrims from every nation to gather around the table of the Lord in prayer, worship and mission.

For Australia, this is far more than a major event. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our faith, deepen our love of the Eucharist, and join with the global Church in giving witness to Christ, the Light of the World.

Visit eucharist28.org to read more about the history of the Eucharistic Congress.

Christ is God's answer to our human hunger, because his Body is the bread of eternal life."

Pope Leo XIV
Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, 22 June 2025.