Hungary To Host 2020 IEC

The 52nd International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) will be held in Budapest, Hungary in 2020.

Pope Francis announced this in a video message aired after the closing Mass of the 51st IEC at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City on Sunday.

“I am happy to announce that the next International Eucharistic Congress will take place in 2020 in Budapest, Hungary,” he said.

The Hungarian delegates erupted in joy while waving their country’s flag.

The IEC, which is held every four years, aims to promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church and draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.

It will be Hungary’s second time to host the IEC. The first time was in 1938.

The 51st IEC is also the second time to be hosted by the Philippines. The international religious event was first hosted by the country in 1937 in Manila.

Peter Cardinal Erdo, Archbishop of Esztergom, Hungary, thanked the Holy Father for the announcement.

“Thank you very much for the splendid opportunity for all of us, Hungarians,” he said.

Erdo also thanked Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop Piero Marini, president of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, localchurch officials, the faithful, organizers and volunteers, among others, for the successful 51st IEC.

“On behalf of the Hungarian people, thank you very much for the beautiful event,” he said, adding that the event has “strengthened their faith and fraternal communion and solidarity.”

Erdo hopes the pilgrims from Cebu and other parts of thePhilippines would also participate in the IEC in Hungary.

“With greatest and deepest gratitude, I invite you all to Hungary,” he said.

Palma and some youths of Cebu turned over the IEC relic to him. (PNA) SCS/EB/SGP