Quebec City, January 29, 2008—From March 23 to May 25, 2008, the Ark of the New Covenant will be off on its final pilgrimage. From Midland, Ontario, the Ark will travel some 1,600 km before arriving in Quebec City on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Organizers of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress 2008 (2008 IEC), to be held June 15 to 22, invite the whole public to take part in this unique spiritual experience!
Starting in May 2006, the Ark of the New Covenant has been on a pilgrimage throughout the dioceses of Canada. The time has now come for the pilgrimage to enter its final stage. The expedition will be made on foot, over 64 days, and extend from Ontario to Quebec City, passing from one national shrine to another. Twelve pilgrims, symbolizing the 12 apostles, will accompany the Ark. The journey is open to all who seek spiritual renewal, whatever their origin or age. If you are interested in taking part, contact Jerry Grzadka at 418-688-1211, ext. 259, or [email protected].
Certain stages of the journey will be carried out on foot and others in a vehicle. Stops have been planned in various cities and towns for times of prayer and celebration with local communities. Everyone is invited to walk, take part in local celebrations, mark the principal steps at major shrines, and follow the pilgrimage in prayer and via the Internet (www.cei2008.ca/en/archeportageurs).
The pilgrimage will visit five national shrines and 10 Canadian dioceses. It departs the Martyrs’ Shrine (Midland, Ontario) on Easter Sunday and stops at Saint-Joseph’s Oratory (Montreal, Quebec), Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap (Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec), St. Anthony’s Hermitage (Lac-Bouchette, Quebec), and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (Beaupré, Quebec).
The Ark of the New Covenant, symbol of spiritual preparation for the 2008 IEC, will thus end its journey through over 70 Canadian dioceses and eparchies. This journey began on May 11, 2006, in Rome with a papal benediction in the presence of the Quebec bishops.
- 30 -
Source
Amélie Pineau
49th International Eucharistic Congress 2008
418-688-1211, ext. 368
418-803-1862
[email protected]