Hope and healing: seminarians at the Congress

By Klysha Best

A sign of hope. That’s how seminarian Justin de Verteuil described the recently concluded Eucharistic Congress 2025.

As one of several seminarians from the Seminary of the St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs at Mount St Benedict in attendance, de Verteuil said he hoped the climax of the nine-day Congress inspired attendees with messages of love, hope, and community.

Expressing gratitude for being part of the gathering, de Verteuil said, “Today, I am good, blessed to be in the presence of my brothers and sisters.”

He stated that the Congress was more than just a celebration; it was a demonstration of hope and love—love not only for each other but ultimately for God.

“Seeing the procession of different vicariates this morning showed that we have hope in the Church,” he remarked. “After Covid-19, many people became accustomed to sitting at home and watching Services online. This event offers an opportunity to reconnect in person, to rebuild fellowship and personal contact.”

De Verteuil told The Catholic News he hopes participants will carry the message of love and renewed faith beyond the event.

“It’s about deepening our relationship with God,” he explained. “In a world full of chaos, sometimes we question whether God is still present. But gatherings like this remind us that His love is real and active,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of future gatherings. “I feel motivated to attend more events like this to spread the word of God,” he said.

De Verteuil reflected on a powerful testimony shared earlier by Marceline Peters who advised attendees to “check yourself.”

He encouraged everyone to take this advice to heart, urging them to reflect on their purpose for participating.

“Our togetherness should come from a genuine place, not just for the event itself,” he said. “Each time we gather, we should aim to build ourselves and our families, fostering unity and love from within.”

Meanwhile, Uganda-born seminarian Henry Andu, who addressed the crowd for one of the meditations, delivered a compelling message on the transformative power of forgiveness, communion, and wisdom rooted in the Eucharist.

He reflected on how forgiveness, often thought to be an easy act, is actually a challenging journey. “Is forgiveness easy? Pause and answer yourself,” he challenged the crowd.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:32—“Forgive as God the Father has forgiven you”—Andu explained that true forgiveness is a continuous journey, not a one-time act. He emphasised that forgiveness does not mean excusing or minimising wrongs or requiring an apology. Instead, he pointed out Jesus’ words on the cross—“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”—illustrating that forgiveness is rooted in mercy and grace.

Sharing a personal insight, Andu recounted lessons from his parents: refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. “Forgive. It hurts, but it is meritorious,” he affirmed, urging faithful to view forgiveness not as a sign of weakness but as a vital step toward peace and spiritual well-being.

Andu introduced the concept of “soucouyant attitudes,” likening unforgiveness to a tormenting night spirit that stifles one’s peace. He called on all to let go of such attitudes, explaining that forgiveness cleanses the heart while the Eucharist nourishes the soul. He commented that wisdom is the guiding step toward receiving the grace that flows from the Eucharist.

Concluding his message, Andu referenced the well-known local saying that “God is a Trini,” and challenged the congregation to live out the virtues of God—especially forgiveness—exemplified through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He invited all to reflect on this divine grace and to embrace forgiveness as a pathway to true reconciliation and spiritual renewal.