A special healing stone, containing a prayer composed by a survivor of clerical abuse, is to be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress on June 10.Organisers say the healing stone will act as a symbolic acknowledgment of the abuse of children.
The large piece of Wicklow granite has been engraved with a prayer composed by a survivor of clerical abuse that originally featured in the Liturgy of Lament celebrated in Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral in 2011.
Explaining its significance, Fr Kevin Doran, Secretary General of IEC2012, said in a statement, “Stone speaks of permanence. To say something is ‘carved in stone’ is to say that it is here to stay rather than just a passing thought. The stone represents the firm determination to work for healing and renewal.”
“In our Christian tradition, the stone which covered the tomb of Jesus symbolises both the end of His earthly existence and the fact of His Resurrection.”
He added, “We are conscious that for many who have experienced abuse, either themselves or to a member of their family, the pain of abuse can sometimes be like a stone weighing heavily on them. It is a stone that, in some way or other needs to be rolled back so that they can be set free.”
Fr Doran explained that after the Congress, the Stone would be given a more permanent home on an accessible site, where people can pause and pray. He added that it would also act as, "a permanent public reminder of our need never to take safeguarding for granted.”
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress is expected to have an attendance of up to 25,000 pilgrims expected to attend each day at the RDS, including 12,000 international pilgrims representing more than 99 different countries.
The theme of Thursday June 14 is the challenge of restoring communion through justice and reconciliation.
The principal liturgy will be focused on reconciliation and repentance, which will be led by Cardinal Seán Brady.
IEC2012 is set to transform the RDS into a Eucharistic Village for the eight-day festival of faith and culture. There will be 18 keynote addresses by international speakers.
Twenty-two keynote speakers will deliver catechesis, personal testimonies, homilies and addresses.
One hundred and sixty workshops will include talks, addresses, group reflections, meetings, concerts, films and plays.
Six keynote speakers will lead a parallel programme for 18-25 years olds during the week.
On June 17, more than 80,000 people are expected to gather and celebrate Statio Orbis, the final Mass of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 at Croke Park Stadium.
The full programme is available at http://www.iec2012.ie/programme