International Eucharistic Congress 2028 dates announced
The International Eucharistic Congress 2028 will bring Catholics from Australia and around the world to Sydney for the major Eucharistic gathering.
Catholics can officially mark their calendars for the next International Eucharistic Congress, with its Secretary General Bishop Richard Umbers announcing the major gathering will take place in Sydney from 24 September to 1 October 2028.
A theological symposium will precede the congress from 20–22 September for those wanting what the bishop describes as a theological “deep dive” into the Blessed Sacrament.
Named Eucharist28 by organisers, this will be the 54th International Eucharistic Congress. It has been hosted twice in Australia already: in Sydney in 1928, and Melbourne in 1973.
Last year Pope Leo XIV chose the theme ‘This is My Body, Given for You’, taken from the account of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples.
While he is yet to formally respond to the invitation issued by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the pope in February said “it’s still a way off, [but] I’ll be there”.
The highly anticipated congress is expected to draw pilgrims from across Australia and overseas.
Preparing for Eucharist28 in Sydney
Preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress 2028 are already underway across Australian parishes, schools and communities.
Bishop Umbers is inviting people to begin preparing now through their parishes, schools and communities, and engage with the preparations already under way.
On 1 March 2026, parishes across Australia held Eucharistic Holy Hours to launch a designated Year of Prayer for Eucharist28.
Organisers have also published resources for parishes, schools and communities, along with videos, podcasts and reflections, and opened online sign-ups for updates and volunteering.
“An IEC is for everybody because the Eucharist makes the Church, the Church,” Bishop Umbers said.
He encouraged all to register their interest online at eucharist28.org and begin their own two-year Eucharistic journey by becoming involved in opportunities in their parishes, schools and other communities, or simply by engaging online in the lead-up to the event.
Harvest Journeys appointed travel operator for Eucharist28
Harvest Journeys has been appointed the official group travel operator for Eucharist28, with plans to assist Australian and international dioceses, parishes, schools, communities and movements travelling to the congress.
Its CEO Selina Hasham said she was “delighted and honoured” at the appointment.
“As groups from across Australia and the world make their way to Sydney, we want to ensure all the travel plans are taken care of so that the pilgrims can immerse themselves in the Eucharist28 experience,” she said.
Harvest will develop packages for groups attending the congress and plans to offer international visitors opportunities to see more of Australia, including the Blue Mountains, regional NSW, Queensland and central Australia.
Hasham said Harvest had decades of experience taking groups to World Youth Days, youth festivals, canonisations and pilgrimage destinations worldwide.
Eucharist28 marks 100 years since Sydney congress
The International Eucharistic Congress 2028 will also mark a century since Sydney hosted the International Eucharistic Congress in 1928.
Eucharist28 will mark 100 years since the harbour city hosted the 29th congress in 1928. The International Eucharistic Congress movement began in France in the 19th century, driven in large part by laywoman Émilie-Marie Tamisier, who helped organise the first congress in Lille in 1881.
Bishop Umbers said the gatherings centre on the profound gift Catholics believe they receive in the Eucharist.
“Christ gives himself to us in this incredible gift that took place on the night of the Last Supper.
“He is made real to us in every Mass, and he remains afterwards for us to adore him, to love him, to know him,” he said.
“Why wouldn’t we want to celebrate that and tell the whole world about it?”
This article was first published by The Catholic Weekly and includes reporting by Christina Guzman. and has been adapted and republished by EWTN Australia.
