INDIA: Essay Contest on Eucharist

National Essay Contest

In preparation for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress

June 15-22, 2008, Quebec, Canada

Theme: "The Eucharist, God’s gift for the life of the world"

Aim: To highlight the great significance of the mystery of the Eucharist for the salvation and transformation of the world.

Eligibility

I. Catholic Students from STD VIII - X in Secondary Schools in India.

II. Seminarians, Religious Sisters and Brothers in India.

Prizes

I. Students: 1st Rs. 3000/-, 2nd Rs. 2000/- and 3rd Rs. 1000/-

II. Seminarians, Religious Sisters and Brothers: 1st Rs. 5000/-, 2nd Rs. 3000/- and 3rd Rs. 2000/-

Suggestions and References

• Focus on spreading the message of the Congress.
• The Eucharist as God’s gift.
• The Eucharist as the New Covenant, the Eucharist and the Church, the Eucharist and the communion, unity and fellowship.
• The Eucharist for the life of the world - a just and fraternal society, peace and freedom, elimination of poverty, hunger and disease.
• The Eucharist - adoration and worship.
• The Eucharist and personal life - as a way of life.
• Relevance of the Eucharist to Indian social, religious and cultural situation.
• The participants, however, have the freedom to develop the theme with creativity and imagination.

The following Church documents may be used as references:

• The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Vat. II)
• Stay with us, Lord (Pope John Paul II)
• The Church from the Eucharist (Pope John Paul II)
• Sacrament of Love (Pope Benedict XVI)

The above documents may be accessed at: www.vatican.va or www.cbcisite.com

The 49th International Eucharistic Congress website: www.cei2008.ca

Requirements

• All the entries should be in English. Students’ entries to be within 2000 words and Seminarians’ and Religious Sisters’ and Brothers’ entries within 2,500 words.
• The entries should be typed double-space only on one side of white foolscap paper with left and right margins.
• All entries have to include writer’s full name and complete address of the school/seminary/religious congregation.

Entries to be sent on or before Sept. 30, 2007 to:

I. Students' Entries: Dr. Valerie D’Souza, C/o Diocesan Catechetical Centre, 4 Kane Road, Bandra, Mumbai - 400 050

II. Seminarians' and Religious Sisters' and Brothers' Entries: Fr. Erasto Fernandez, Provincial Superior, Eymard Cottage, 22, Matharpakady, Mazagaon, Mumbai - 400 010

Bishop Thomas Dabre
Bishop of Vasai & CCBI National Delegate to the Congress