Kylemore Abbey welcomes pilgrims of the International Eucharistic Congress
International Eucharistic Congress June 10-17th 2012
The Benedictine Community welcome pilgrims of the International Eucharistic Congress 2012. Since the Benedictine Community’s arrival at Kylemore in 1920, Kylemore Abbey has been renowned as a place of peace and spirituality. Visitors have thronged to this haven of peace and exquisite scenic beauty.
The Kylemore estate, with its Abbey, Gothic Church, Victorian Walled Garden and many woodland and lakeshore walks, has become a source of joy and satisfaction to all and we invite our visitors to share the pleasure and peace of Kylemore.
| The Benedictine Community have allowed their private chapel to be used by pilgrim groups of the Eucharistic Congress who wish to pray or celebrate mass. Please contact the Kylemore Abbey visitor centre if you wish to visit the private chapel by emailing info@kylemoreabbeytourism.ie or calling + 353 95 52001. Group booking for mass is advised. For more details on group visits to Kylemore Abbey, please click here. |
 |
What is a Eucharistic Congress and what is its purpose?
A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to:
• promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church
• help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy
• draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.
The Congress normally takes place every four years. The daily celebration of the Eucharist is at the very heart of the Congress. The wider programme of the Congress includes other liturgical events, cultural events, catechesis and testimonies, and workshops during the week of the Congress. The most recent Congress was held in Quebec in 2008 and was a source of encouragement and renewal for the many thousands who took part.
Most people in Ireland are familiar with the fact that a Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland in 1932. Our parents and grand-parents speak of it as a significant event in their own experience of Church.
1932 Eucharistic Congress
The famous Sacred Heart Statue erected high above the Abbey on Duchruach mountain was erected by the Benedictine Community during the 1932 Eucharistic Congress as thanksgiving for the Communities safe arrival to Ireland.
 |
Six local men were chosen to carry to the statue up the mountain. A wooden hand barrow was specially constructed for the task, and with the help of donkeys the men brought the statue up the mountain and erected it overlooking the Kylemore Valley and Connemara mountains.
Guided mountain hikes are available to the statue during summer months. For more details click here.
|
The Community’s Abbey in Ypres, Belgium had been destroyed during bombing raids in World War I and the Community was forced to flee. The Benedictine Community settled at Kylemore Abbey in 1920 where they remain in residence today.
Visiting Ireland for the International Eucharistic Congress?
International Eucharistic Congress have created a suggested itinerary 4 day tour of the West of Ireland including visit to Kylemore Abbey, Aran Islands & Knock Shrine. This tour is perfect for those wishing to extend their visit to Ireland. For more details click here.
.jpg)