Participants are Encouraged to Proclaim the Teaching of the True Presence of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and to Express the Unity of the Catholic Church in the Body of Christ.
United States – Washington (26/01/2023 3:55 PM, Gaudium Press) On the occasion of the National Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in the year 2024, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is promoting a Eucharistic Song Contest.
According to the USCCB Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis, the goal of the event is to “renew our zeal for the Eucharist in a way that words cannot express, igniting a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”
Proclaim the Teaching of the True Presence of Our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist
Catholic poets, musicians and songwriters who wish to participate in the competition will have until April 21, 2023 to enter in one of two categories: hymn composition or theme song. Contestants will be encouraged to proclaim the teaching of the true presence of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and to express the unity of the Catholic Church in the body of Christ.
The original songs will be evaluated by a jury composed of experts with a focus on poetry, musicality, creativity, theological and doctrinal soundness, beauty, suitability for liturgical use, and expression of the mission of the Eucharistic revival. The winners will be announced on June 9, 2023. The composers of the chosen songs in each of the contest categories will receive a $2,500 cash award.
Celebrating the Beauty and Mystery of the Eucharist
From July 17 to 21, 2024, during the National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled to take place in Indianapolis (USA), the winning songs from this contest will be presented. In addition, dioceses across the country will be encouraged to use the songs during their Eucharistic events.
According to Tim Glemkowski, executive director of the National Eucharistic Congress, this contest is part of a series of initiatives aimed at celebrating the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist. “Beauty is the mark of a loving God, and we are excited to see creative expressions from talented Catholic artists who embrace the beauty of Christ and give new light, color and voice to the truths of our Faith,” he said. (EPC)
Compiled by Florence MacDonald