For 70 years, the largest Catholic gathering in the world is held for four days drawing up to 40,000 in attendance. People from diverse backgrounds, ministries and vocations come from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, South and Central America as well as from all over the United States. Attendees can choose from 140 workshops in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The event begins with a Youth Day for teenagers in which 14,586 of them participated in workshops and filled the arena with their energetic praise and worship.
For many years, Sr. Edith Prendergast, RSC has led this congress and this year it was held from the 20-23rd of February in the Anaheim Convention Center, California. Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC, was invited to speak at this year’s convention, where she offered a heartfelt reflection on compassion, sharing a deep personal experience.
The Theme of the Congress was ‘Called To Compassion’. Sr. Kathleen’s talk, “Touch the Wounds” challenged listeners to encounter the Christ of Compassion and touch his wounds in order for each to truly know his compassion. Not only that incredible experience, but going further, it was an invitation allowing Jesus to touch our wounds. How can we truly know compassion unless we have encountered the Christ of compassion? Our own struggles empower us to be compassionate. It is our own wounds that connect us most deeply to the human family.
Two events impacted the Congress this year: the devastation caused by the L.A Fires and the vulnerability of our immigrant Catholics. A highlight was the testimony of Fr. Liam Kidney, a pastor whose church, Corpus Christi, was destroyed by the fires. Fr. Liam proclaimed that “No Fire can destroy the Body of Christ!” The Fire Captain called Fr. Liam after the fire to say all was destroyed except the tabernacle.
Each day, Congress attendees participated in rich Eucharistic celebrations, each with a distinct cultural and spiritual theme including Celtic, Contemplative, Indonesian, Mass for the Evangelization of the Peoples, Mass of Charity in the African American Perspective, Mystery of the Holy Cross in the Vietnamese Perspective, Paz y Justicia (Spanish) Young Adult. Artists created a Sacred Space where there was an art gallery for prayer, a labyrinth, Eucharistic Adoration, and the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Multiple concerts are offered at lunchtime and every evening, highlighting Catholic composers and celebrating cultures. The Film Showcase, Young Adult Dance, and entertainment for all ages brought vibrancy to the event and a large exhibit hall offered some nice shopping opportunities!
Many of the workshops are available on YouTube here
