Thursday, 19 July 2012 13:44

Over 1,500 Catholic school children and home schooled children participated in the 50th International Eucharistic Congress last month in Dublin, Ireland.
Participants from the Diocese of Wichita were involved in teaching them about adoration, an activity that has been growing in the Diocese of Wichita for the past 10 years, but something that is relatively new in Ireland.
At Our Lady Queen of Peace in Dublin, busloads of children were taken first to a talk about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist by Vanessa Condreay of St. Francis Parish in Wichita. The children then watched a program where the lives of saints were acted out, evidence of the strength received through Eucharist.
After other activities and snacks, children were taken into the church to be led in Adoration of Jesus by either Community of St. John Brother Leopold d’Yvedebavay or Fr. Anthony Mary of the Community of St. John, to present the “Children of Hope” program that was begun by Fr. Antoine Thomas, a priest of their community, who is well known around the Wichita diocese.
Sandy Rongish, a member of St, Francis parish, Wichita, has been the International Coordinator for “Children of Hope” these past 12 years, working with Fr. Antoine and the Brothers to help establish the program in parishes and schools around the world.
Music for the adoration time was provided by Robert and Jarrad Condreay, also of St. Francis, Wichita, for several hours through out each day over the weeklong event.
A reporter for a London newspaper wrote about a visit to a church. “Upon entering the church, I was stunned by the rare spectacle of dozens of primary school children kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. They were led in this by an inspirational French friar, whose serene and prayerful presence held them spellbound.
“Also in the congregation were more international pilgrims, as well as proud parents and beaming clergy. In the midst of this extraordinary event, I began to reflect on what the Irish church might look like if it contained more people like that French friar. Most especially, I began to ponder the electrifying effect this could have on the children of the church.”
Want to attend the institute?
The cost is $20 per person, with an additional $30 suggested donation for those staying overnight. However, no one will be turned down due to lack of funds. Register on-line at www.slcwichita.org or call (316) 744-0167. Mass and lunch are included in the day.