An event of signal importance will take place in Quebec in June 2008: the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. The occasion also marks the 400th anniversary of the city's foundation.

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is committed to fostering this great moment of grace. Thus we have chosen our pastoral theme for the coming year—You Give us the Living Bread.

The Lord gives us the Bread of the Word which leads us to give thanks to God for all creation, and for the fullness of life God has promised. “I have come that you might have life—life in abundance.” The bread God gives is the Body of Christ handed over and the Blood of Christ poured out that the world might live. “This is my Body which will be given up for you. This is my Blood which will be shed for you so that sins may be forgiven.”

The Bread of the Word broken open, the Bread of the Eucharist shared, both renew the Covenant God made with his people uniting them to Jesus' death and resurrection. Conformed to Christ in such an intimate way, and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, we leave the the eucharistic banquet enjoined to proclaim the Good News; to live a life in solidarity with others which will build up a more just and humane society.

Brother André, the founder of Saint Joseph's Oratory drew upon the power of the eucharist to work for the salvation of the world in his own fashion, and to give a full life to those in need. The general theme of the congress which takes place in Quebec in June 2008 is“The Eucharist, God’s Gift for the Life of the World.” May this year of grace be the occasion for all to rediscover the importance of the eucharist which, in the beautiful phrase coming from the Second Vatican Council, is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”