Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The 53rd edition of the International Eucharistic Congress commenced on September 8 in Quito, Ecuador, with a focus on promoting fraternity to address global fractures and violence. Pope Francis sent a message emphasizing unity: “we’re one and only in such unity we can serve the world and heal it.”

The event, set to conclude on September 15, aims to foster human brotherhood under the theme “Fraternity to Heal the World.” Archbishop Alfredo Espinoza of Quito highlighted in his homily that Quito has become “a great Eucharistic tent,” encouraging attendees to build fraternity to heal global wounds amid current violence and wars.

The opening Mass at Quito’s Bicentennial Park drew thousands of participants, including numerous bishops. The celebration featured 1,600 children receiving their first Communion. Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo, retired archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela, attended as pontifical legate for the congress.

Bishop José Adalberto Jiménez of the Aguarico Vicariate noted Pope Francis’s call for concrete gestures toward those who suffer: “That idea of a proactive fraternity greatly impacted me.” The pope urged actions addressing social injustices caused by political indifference and corruption, immigration-related deaths, poverty, criminal gangs, prisoner rights violations, and illegal mining in the Amazon.

A preceding theological symposium (September 4-7) gathered over 600 theologians worldwide. Father Juan Carlos Garzón, secretary-general of the congress, stated that scholarly reflections would transition into pastoral and catechetical discussions.

On its first full day themed “Wounded World,” participants examined societal sufferings. Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz was scheduled to discuss local hardships following January's violence surge. Auxiliary Bishop Hryhoriy Komar of Sambir-Drohobych planned to address repercussions from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Day two will explore building brotherhood through historical narratives from Latin American bishops about figures like Bishop Leonidas Proaño. Day three will focus on how the Eucharist transforms the world. Speakers include Father José Antonio Maeso and Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens.

The final days will emphasize synodality and links between the Eucharist and fraternity. Bishop Rafael Cob will discuss his work with REPAM.

An Eucharistic procession through Quito’s old central district is planned for September 14, followed by a closing Mass on September 15. Father Garzón noted it has been two decades since an International Eucharistic Congress was held in Latin America—Guadalajara hosted it in 2004.

“We’re receiving participants from 60 nations,” said Father Garzón. He believes Latin America has a unique contribution towards promoting fraternity aligned with Pope Francis’s message amidst regional challenges like violence and division.

Bishop Jiménez mentioned that this year’s congress coincides with Ecuador's 150th anniversary consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Archbishop José Ignacio Checa y Barba led this historic event alongside President Gabriel García Moreno in 1874.

“May this congress open the way for us to the Christ of the Tabernacle,” concluded Bishop Jiménez, hoping it leads attendees towards aiding marginalized individuals forgotten by society.