Archbishop's trip to Dublin

Stewardship director gives account of recent International Eucharistic Congress

A Virgin Mary statue at St. Damian's monastery in Dublin keeps watch over the faithful.

Alistair Burns didn't go to the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin but he talked to Barb Dowding, the vice-chancellor and Stewardship Director of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, who did. The event also included a talk by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB:

The archbishop's talk highlighted how "important and vital" it is
for mutual respect to exist between clergy and laity.
Barb Dowding / Special to The B.C. Catholic.

Barbara Dowding, the vice-chancellor and Stewardship Director of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, usually plans and hosts events for priests, laity, and Catholic organizations. However, at the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, she came not as an organizer, but as a pilgrim looking for solace.

"I went with my husband, not in an official capacity, and it was the first time in a long time I didn't have to look out for everyone," she said.

She arrived in the Irish capital for the week-long event June 10. Throughout the week, her enthusiasm grew.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.