Congress logo, ark evoke the arrival of the faith

By LAUREEN McMAHON

The red and gold logo chosen for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City from June 15-22, 2008, has a uniquely Canadian theme; it is a stylized representation of a boat, and it was by river that the Catholic faith was brought to settlements in Quebec.

Special to The B.C. Catholic The Ark of the New Covenant, soon to visit the Vancouver Archdiocese, has just visited the Gaspe Diocese in Quebec. The ark, in the form of a boat 1 m long, has colourful icons on the front, back, and sides of its superstructure. Rings on the outside of its hull allow carrying poles to be inserted; it weighs 40 kg.

Every four years an international gathering to honour and celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist takes place in a different country. Eucharistic congresses are attended by bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay people from all around the world.

Next year's congress in Quebec, mandated by Pope John Paul II before his death, will mark the 400th anniversary of the first permanent French establishment in North America and the beginning of the spread of the Catholic faith on this continent.

Pope Benedict XVI has indicated a desire to attend, but the final decision on a visit is not expected until sometime later this year.

Final plans are being made to welcome to Vancouver the Ark of the New Covenant, the Eucharistic congress symbol, now on tour, visiting Canadian dioceses across the country. The logo is sure to become familiar to many as more details on preparations for the congress are released.

The logo's brilliant red and gold colours are identified with Blessed Francois de Laval as they were the colours of his coat of arms. He was founder of the Diocese of Quebec and the first bishop of North America.

The colours also recall the bread and wine, which together signify God's gift, the Body and Blood of Christ.

The logo is inscribed with a cross that separates into four parts the Eucharistic host, thus signifying the broken bread of the shared Eucharist, but also alluding to the four cardinal points of the earth.

The round shape of the logo suggests the shape of the earth, as it is from all parts of the world that the estimated 15,000 attendees will come.

Keep watching The B.C. Catholic for the announcement of the dates and times when the Ark of the New Covenant will be on display in parishes around the archdiocese.

More information on the International Eucharistic Congress is available at www.cei2008.ca.