Editor's Desk: Local Celebrations

By Michael F. Flach
HERALD Editor
(From the Issue of 9/14/00)

Our neighbors across the river in the Archdiocese of Washington are preparing the largest celebration since the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979. Eucharistic Congress 2000 will be held at the Washington Convention Center and MCI Center from Oct. 5-8. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend.

The Convention Center will host the keynote speakers, more than 145 workshops, special liturgies, art, music, dance and book signings. Six thousand teens are expected to participate in an outdoor procession through the streets of Washington to Franklin Park.

Washington Cardinal James A. Hickey, who turns 80 on Oct. 11, will celebrate the closing liturgy Oct. 8 at the MCI Center.

Two of the main speakers should be familiar to Arlington Catholics. Father Benedict Groeschel, founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will talk about the "Eucharist and the Worship of God" on Friday, Oct. 6, at 10:15 a.m. Father Groeschel is a frequent visitor to the Arlington Diocese. He recently spoke at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria.

Father Raneiro Cantalamessa, O.F.M.Cap., known as the "pope’s preacher," will talk about the "Eucharist and Christian Life" on Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. Father Cantalamessa has long been associated with the Charismatic Renewal movement. He has visited the Arlington Diocese on several occasions, most recently as part of the Evangelization 2000 conference held at St. Mark Church. He will sign copies of his four books at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 7.

Dr. Eduardo Azcarate, founder and director of the Youth Apostles Institute in Arlington, will give several workshop presentations. His topic is "Bringing Youth to Christ." Azcarate is a clinical psychologist from Falls Church and a member of St. Anthony Parish. He will give the same presentation in Spanish on Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.

Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, president of Christendom College in Front Royal, will speak on "How to Build a Committed Catholic Family." O’Donnell and his wife Cathy are the parents of nine children. He will be signing copies of his book, Heart of the Redeemer, at noon on Oct. 6.

Barbara Meng, the mother of Father David Meng, pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Spotsylvania, will talk about "Helping Your Kids Discern: Guiding without Controlling." Meng will sign copies of her book, The Catholic Family Resources Guide, at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 7.

Helen Alvare, former pro-life spokesperson for the U.S. bishops’ conference, and Virgil Dechant, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, also are scheduled to appear at the Eucharistic Congress.

On this side of the Potomac, the Arlington Diocese has announced it will sponsor a special celebration for young adults on Nov. 4 at St Mark Church in Vienna. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will be the main morning speaker, while Father Thomas Blau, assistant campus minister at the University of Virginia, will deliver the afternoon keynote speech.

Registration and breakfast begin at 9 a.m. The bishop’s talk is scheduled for 10 a.m. Morning workshops will include presentations by Dr. Azcarate and Father Mark Moretti, parochial vicar at St. Rita Parish in Alexandria.

Topics include "Your Calling as a Single Catholic," "Share the Wealth: Finding Courage to Evangelize," "Sexuality, Freedom and the Eucharist" and "Married Chastity: Answering God’s Call in Your Marriage."

On-site registration for the Eucharistic Congress will be in Room 19 of the Convention Center. For registration information about the young adult conference, contact the Office for Family Life at 703/841-2550. – M.F.F.

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