In preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress, which is to take place in Quebec City in June 2008, the Ark of the New Covenant made a 6-day stop in our Diocese from February 15th to 20th on its pilgrimage through Canada. The Ark is a unique religious artefact, made out of wood in the shape of boat surmounted by a chest displaying eight precious icons, which depict Gospel scenes related to the Eucharist. The idea of the Ark was first conceived at a youth summit in Quebec City in 2005 and, once skilfully carved and put together, this unique piece of religious art was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in May 2006. Since then it has been travelling on pilgrimage through Canada as a symbol of our faith in the Blessed Eucharist and as an invitation to the International Eucharistic Congress next year. 

In addition to the Ark’s visit to the parishes in Courtice, Huntsville, Peterborough (Cathedral), Lindsay and Cobourg, the Ark found its way to all Catholic High Schools in our Diocese for a rather original 60-minute presentation on the Holy Eucharist consisting of video clips, witness talks, music, catechesis, reflections and adoration. The presentation, which was put together with a lot of thought, love and hard work by volunteers at the Youth Office, is an attempt at presenting the great mystery of Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist as an answer to some of the struggles in young people’s lives today. At a very early age, it seems, young people in our society are exposed to death, devastation and destruction, sometimes on an all too personal level. At the same time they are looking for meaningful relationships, a purpose to their existence and something or someone to hold on to when all too often they are left abandoned and alone. While drugs, sex and alcohol are shamelessly presented by our culture as the solution and are made readily available to them, Christ is the true answer in all their struggles. Especially in the Blessed Sacrament he reaches out his hand to each of them – and to each of us - offering certainty, safety, life and love beyond anything they - and we - could have ever imagined. In her own unassuming way Blessed Mother Teresa caught everybody’s attention when she was shown in the presentation and made the connection between joy, love and the holy Eucharist with simple and succinct words: “Our lives must be woven around the Eucharist … fix your eyes on Him who is the light …” While human words can only go so far in describing the divine presence, the Blessed Sacrament was brought in and placed on the Ark for a few minutes of silent adoration to let Christ Himself reach the hearts and minds of those present. The first response to the presentation was one of “amazement” and it is hoped that the amazement was a biblical one, an expression of wonder and awe at God’s true presence among us in the Eucharist and at his true love for each of us, especially for young people so sorely tried and torn these days.     

Half way through the Ark’s visit in our Diocese young people did come together in His presence for their regular ‘Morning Watch’, this time at the Cathedral in Peterborough. The all-night Eucharistic adoration from Saturday evening to Sunday morning has become a regular feature in our Diocese and seems to be attracting more and more young people. With music, scripture readings, meditations and a lot of time for personal prayer ‘Morning Watch’ is a powerful moment of encounter with Jesus and the instrument of renewal and change in individual lives and in our Diocese as a whole.

The Ark of the New Covenant was also welcomed at St. Joseph’s at Fleming seniors’ residence in Peterborough and became the focal point of a prayer service led by Bishop De Angelis at the Cathedral, at which time the Eucharistic Charter was read and the Eucharistic Pledge was made by all present on behalf of the whole Diocese. 

During the 6-day visit in our Diocese it quickly became apparent that the Ark, so simple in its design, unassuming in its size and beautiful in its imagery, was an instrument in God’s hands to draw people closer into the great mystery of our faith: Christ’s true presence in the Holy Eucharist. The visit of the Ark was providential, its message clear and its effects hopefully abundant.   

Stays at St. Michael’s Church Cobourg for the rest of the day and night
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