Eucharistic Bell rings out in north west of England

Pope Benedict rings Bell at Vatican

The Eucharistic Congress Bell has begun to ring out through the north west of England, calling pilgrims to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012), which will be hosted in Dublin from 10 - 17 June. The Bell is the key symbol of this year's Congress and is the Catholic Church's version of the Olympic torch.

The Eucharistic Congress has been likened to a 'Spiritual Olympics' and on the journey it calls upon the Church's athletes; the pilgrims, to respond to its call.

On its pilgrimage, the Bell has already travelled to Lourdes and in Rome where it was received by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter's Square. It has been through the 26 Dioceses of Ireland, over 1,000 parishes, more than 100 schools, and a dozen hospitals and nursing homes, calling people to 'Come to the Congress'.

Father Kevin Doran, Secretary General of IEC2012 said: "The Bell has traditionally been associated with the invitation to the community to gather. For many of us here
in Ireland, there are strong family and indeed sporting links with the Manchester /
Lancashire region of England. And for that reason alone, it is especially appropriate that the invitation should go out to people in this region to join us for the Congress."

It is now embarking on the final leg of its pilgrimage at various stops in the North West of England. 12,000 international pilgrims representing over 100 different countries, many from the UK, are expected to attend.


Here is the full schedule for the North West:


Sunday 20 May 4pm - Our Lady of Grace, Fairfax Rd, Prestwich, M25 1AS

Monday 21 May, 6.30pm - St John's The Crescent, Bromiley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9JP

Tuesday 22 May 7pm - St Albans, Larkhill, Blackburn, BB1 6HN

Wednesday 23 May 7pm - St Mary's 3 Todmorden Road, Burnley, BB10 4AU

Thursday 24 May 7pm - St Aiden & Oswald Vaughan St, Royton, Oldham OL2 5DL

Friday 25 May 7.30pm - Salford Cathedral, 250 Chapel St Salford, M3 5LL
Bishop Brain will celebrate Mass

Saturday 26 May 2pm - St Dunstan's Moston Lane, Moston, M409PA

Sunday 27 May 4pm - St Kentigern's 36 Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield, M14 7DW

For more information see:

www.facebook.com/IEC2012
https://twitter.com/#!/iec2012
www.audioboo.fm/iec2012

www.iec2012.ie/