Eucharistic Congress Marks a Week of Grace

Ipswich has just concluded a remarkable moment of faith and renewal as the town hosted its first Eucharistic Congress, ECI26, from 6–13 September 2026.

Timed to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of East Anglia, the week-long celebration drew together clergy, parishes, schools, religious communities and families from across the Ipswich Deanery. Centred on the Eucharist and inspired by the theme Mary, Woman of the Eucharist, the Congress was an act of thanksgiving for fifty years of diocesan life.

The Congress was led collaboratively by Fr Luke Goymour, Dean of the Ipswich Deanery and parish priest of St Mark’s and St Mary Magdalen’s; Fr Joseph Welch of St Pancras; and Fr Jude Belnas of St Mary’s, supported by a dedicated committee of laypeople. Their shared aim was to place the Eucharist at the heart of the Jubilee and to invite the Catholic community of Ipswich to rediscover the Real Presence of Christ with renewed devotion.

Pilgrimage and School Engagement

The week opened on Sunday with an ecumenical pilgrimage walk through the town, following the historic route laid out by Cardinal Wolsey to the ancient shrine of Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich. This gentle beginning set the tone for the days ahead: a community walking together, honouring its heritage and seeking fresh grace for the future.

From Monday to Wednesday, the focus turned to the town’s Catholic schools. The Ignite Youth Mission Team worked across the Ipswich Catholic Trust schools – St Pancras, St Mark’s, St Mary’s and St Alban’s – helping pupils explore the Congress theme through prayer, catechesis and creative activities. Their presence ensured that the Jubilee was embraced by the next generation.

Early-Week Devotions

On Monday evening, St Pancras hosted a beautiful Holy Hour led by Fr Joseph Welch, with adoration, devotions and a thoughtful meditation on Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Drawing from Old Testament prefigurations, Fr Joseph brilliantly reflected on Mary’s unique relationship with the Eucharist.

Tuesday evening saw St Mark’s filled for a preached rosary, adoration and benediction led by Fr Luke Goymour. The strong attendance reflected a deep hunger for Eucharistic prayer and teaching.

Wednesday brought one of the week’s major moments: the Our Lady of Walsingham Trust Schools’ Mass at St Alban’s. Representatives from all primary schools, alongside clergy and deanery leaders, gathered for a joyful liturgy highlighting the central role of Catholic education in the life of the diocese.

Adoration, Confession and Healing

Thursday offered a full twelve hours of adoration at St Pancras, from 9am until 9pm. Confessions were heard throughout the day, with a steady stream of people coming to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

On Friday, the deanery welcomed the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham (COLW) and Fr Alex Pumfrey, who would later serve as a keynote speaker at the closing event. Fr Alex celebrated a lunchtime Mass at St Mary Magdalen’s and preached on the Congress theme, followed by an excellent spiritual conference delivered by Sr Theresa Weight.

The evening brought one of the most moving events of the week: a Eucharistic healing service led by the COLW. Sr Gabriela offered a powerful meditation on Christ’s healing presence in the Eucharist, while Srs Catherine-Maria and Theresa provided gentle, prayerful music. The church was packed, and many spoke afterwards of the simplicity, reverence and deep sense of healing that marked the night.

Eucharistic Miracles and Parish Engagement

Saturday saw St Mary’s, Woodbridge Road, host the travelling St Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition. Parishioners and visitors spent the day exploring the displays and reflecting on the witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

A Cathedral for a Day: The Corn Exchange Finale

The Congress reached its climax on Sunday at the Ipswich Corn Exchange, transformed through banners, drapes, lighting and candles into a temporary cathedral. Volunteers began work before dawn, preparing the venue and welcoming musicians from CJM Music, led by Jo Boyce, whose blend of traditional and contemporary liturgical music lifted the day’s celebrations.

The closing Mass, broadcast live on Radio Maria, was celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins and concelebrated by Bishop Alan Hopes and priests from across the deanery. In his homily, Bishop Peter reflected on the Jubilee as a moment to look to the past not as historians, but as disciples preparing for mission. He urged the faithful never to “sanitise the Eucharist”, reminding them of the sacrificial reality of Jesus at the heart of the Mass and calling all to deepen their reverence for Christ’s presence. He reminded people: “Prepare ever so well, [for Mass] for it is a matter of your salvation.”

The afternoon continued with keynote talks from Fr Toby Lees OP and Fr Alex Pumfrey, before hundreds joined a Blessed Sacrament procession to Lady Lane, the ancient site of Our Lady of Grace. The Knights of St Columba carried the canopy, assisted by St Michael’s Security, in a moving public witness of faith.

A Week of Grace

Reflecting on the Congress, Fr Luke Goymour said: “This was truly a week of grace as we celebrated fifty years of our diocese. The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, and I believe the Congress captured this. We are looking to follow it up with renewed Eucharistic devotion and the opportunity for people to join the Our Lady of Grace Eucharistic League.”

ECI26 will be remembered as a landmark moment for the Catholic community in Ipswich – a week when the town rediscovered its Eucharistic heart and looked with confidence to the mission ahead.

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