The National Eucharistic Congress (CEN) begins on Friday, May 31st, at Forum Braga.

The mass is also part of the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Sameiro, which this year gains special importance as it coincides with the end of the congress. Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, will be in Braga as the Pope's special envoy.

“This pilgrimage to Sameiro is usual, but this year, it will reach gigantic proportions because it is no longer just an archdiocesan pilgrimage and will be a national pilgrimage”, admitted the president of the Confraria de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, canon José Paulo Abreu.

According to this priest, “practically all of Portugal’s bishops will be in Sameiro on Sunday”.

This week, Pope Francis expressed his desire for the CEN to represent a step forward in the life of the Church.

In a video message released by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), Francisco addresses the participants in the congress, stating: “I want to greet you and I want to encourage you so that you join forces so that this Eucharistic Congress is a continuity in the life of Church. And, at the same time, a step forward in the life of the Church, whether throughout Portugal, in each diocese, in each parish, in each community”.

The Braga Congress precedes the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, which takes place in Quito, Ecuador, from September 8th to 15th, under the theme “Fraternity to heal the world”.