Love for ‘Big Jesus’ at Eucharistic Congress 2025

By Lara Pickford-Gordon

snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org

The ten-day eucharistic journey of prayer, adoration and communion came to a rousing crescendo at the Queen’s Park Oval. Thousands of faithful came together to witness to their faith in an emotional and spiritually stirring encounter with Jesus.

There was joy not only in smiles but the tears. One attendee said it was “a beautiful, joyful, spirit-filled day” and “a perfect day focusing only on Jesus”. She was touched by the tears shed by the young people as the large monstrance created for the occasion was carried around the Oval.

Another commented, there were “so many faithful hearts, united in worship and reverence. Songs soared and constantly rose like incense and, unforgettable was the presence of Christ in the Eucharist that filled the space with awe”.

Part of the Jubilee Year observance, the Congress began May 1 on the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, with Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and blessing of a monstrance and statue of Our Lady of Fatima. A nine-day pilgrimage followed to Jubilee sacred sites across Trinidad and Tobago.

Following the praying of the rosary and welcome, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon gave the opening address after 8 a.m. The ‘pilgrim statue’ of Our Lady was brought out at the Oval and representatives of vicariates processed behind, waving flags of the various colours for each area.

The first keynote talk ‘Eucharistic Adoration: A Gift called Intimacy’ was from Fr Patrick Gonyeau, a priest from the Archdiocese of Detroit, serving in Ohio with the US Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. A pre-recorded greeting was also broadcast with Matthew Kelly, Australian motivational speaker/author.

A high point of the day was the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. A period of meditation followed with brief reflections given by young speakers. A specially created monstrance—70 inches tall, with a luna containing the 15-inch consecrated Host—was placed on the altar. Later, it was taken around the Oval to the different stands. The Divine Mercy Chaplet was recited and the faithful showed reverence, kneeling and bowing.

Before the lunch break, Archbishop Gordon led an agape moment. He offered a prayer on behalf of attendees, who were invited to a symbolic breaking and sharing bread with each other.

In the second keynote address in the afternoon, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St Lucia discussed ‘From the Altar to the World: Living the Eucharist in Love’. He focused on the meanings in John 6 and stated, “one of the greatest challenges for us Catholics, as it pertains to the Eucharist….to view it as an object of pious devotion rather than the impetus for genuine Christian living.”

Throughout the day, the music ministry captured the celebratory, solemn, reflective moments of the day.

In the closing remarks and thanks, Fr Jesse Maingot OP, who spearheaded the Congress and is charged with promoting Eucharistic Adoration in the Archdiocese, said the big monstrance with the “big Jesus” will be at the Church of the Holy Spirit RC, Malabar, for those who did not get a chance to adore at the sacred sites.

Building on the momentum of the Congress, he announced the formation of a national apostolate of lay evangelisers called ‘Eucharistia Gloria’, the glory of the Eucharist. Information can be found at the Eucharistic Congress website: eucharisticcongresstt.org.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines was originally scheduled to speak but the death of Pope Francis and the resulting conclave to elect a new pope prevented his attendance. Three bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, representatives from the diplomatic corps, personnel of the Apostolic Nunciature and pilgrims from other islands were in attendance.

Archbishop Gordon presided at the closing Mass. After the liturgy, he announced Fr Maingot’s designation as a Missionary of Mercy. He joins Msgr Esau Joseph who was also named a Missionary of Mercy March 19. They will promote the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Before the dismissal, Archbishop Gordon asked the faithful to send greetings to new Pope Leo XIV, “Pope Leo, we love you!” The recording will be sent via the Nunciature.

Photo: GarCor Media Productions