The official journey toward the International Eucharistic Congress 2028 (Eucharist28), to be held in Sydney, has formally begun with the launch of the Eucharist28 website and the rollout of national parish resources across Australia.
Eucharist28 marks a significant moment in the life of the Church in Australia, coinciding with the centenary of the first International Eucharistic Congress held in Sydney in 1928.
More than a single event, the Congress is being shaped as a multi-year national pilgrimage of prayer, formation, and renewal, inviting Catholics across Australia, Oceania, and beyond to rediscover the transforming power of the Eucharist.
The newly launched website (eucharist28.org) provides a growing collection of catechetical and devotional resources designed for individuals, families, parishes, and schools. These include podcasts, personal testimonies, and theological reflections intended to deepen understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
Parishes across Australia have begun receiving Eucharist28 Starter Packs, containing prayer cards, posters, and introductory materials that outline the vision of the Congress and invite local communities to take part in the national journey toward 2028.
Speaking about the hopes for the Congress, Bishop Richard Umbers, General Secretary for Eucharist28, said:
“My hope is that people in Sydney, across Australia, Oceania and the whole world will discover for the first time or rediscover the joy of being nourished by Christ and be strengthened to become His presence in our communities – other Christs for the life of the world.”
As part of the preparatory journey, parishes are being invited to participate in a nationwide Holy Hour on Sunday, 1 March 2026, the Second Sunday of Lent.
This coordinated moment of Eucharistic Adoration will mark the start of the Year of Prayer in the lead-up to 2028. On this day, every parish in the country is encouraged to hold an hour of Eucharistic Adoration following Mass.
It is hoped that Catholics across the nation may be united in prayer, asking for a Eucharistic transfiguration of their own lives and communities. Each parish is invited to embrace this moment in its own way, expressing the unity in diversity that characterises the Church.
Reflecting on the spiritual impact of the Congress, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said:
“No one should be touched by the congress and be unchanged, for no one can experience intimacy with Christ and be the same as before.”
The International Eucharistic Congress 2028 will gather pilgrims from around the world in Sydney, but its vision extends far beyond one city or one week. It seeks to renew Eucharistic faith, deepen prayer, and inspire a missionary spirit within the Church in Australia for years to come.
The pilgrimage has begun. All are invited to take part.