Pope Francis Names His Representative to the 51st IEC in Cebu City

Pope Francis will not be attending the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (EIC) to be held in Cebu City, Philippines in January 2016.

According to the event’s website, www.IEC2016.ph, Cardinal Charles Maung from the archdiocese of Mandalay, Myanmar was designated as Papal Legate to the religious gathering which will be held on January 24-31, 2016.

A member of the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, in Lashio, N.S.S., Maung was assigned as Parish Priest at Loihkam from 1976 to 1981, and in Lashio from 1981 to 1983.

He was appointed as bishop of Pathein by Pope John Paul II on March 13, 1996 and served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar from 2000 to 2006.

The Holy Father proclaimed him as Cardinal on February 14, 2015.

Meanwhile, Elvira Yap-Go, publicity and promotion Eucharistic Congress 2016-CEBU organizing committee,said that the preparation for the event is about 80 percent ready.

“80 percent ready na ok na,” she added.

Go noted that the pavilion where the plenary session will be held is completed.

“Yung pavilion tapos na structure. ‘Yung loob na lang nakita ko halos natapos na,” she said.

Go added, “Lahat committee nagmimeeting and everybody is well prepared…konting improvements na lang and which is what we are trying to do.”

This is the second time the country will host the EIC, the first time was in 1937. The event is held every 4 years. (PNA) CTB/FGP/EDS