Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, has announced that “This is My Body, Given for You” has been chosen by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028 (IEC2028).
The theme was confirmed by Father Corrado Maggioni S.M.M., President of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, on his recent trip to Australia.
During his visit, Father Maggioni expressed the Pontifical Committee’s desire to emphasise the real and tangible sacrifice of Christ, who died for no other reason than love.
“This love-driven sacrifice is at the heart of Christian faith,” Father Maggioni said.
“Jesus’ words, ‘This is my body, given for you,’ makes it clear that we cannot receive His Body and remain unchanged… Saint Paul expresses this in Romans 12:1, we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice in the same way Christ does.”
Archbishop Fisher commented that the chosen theme encapsulates the entirety of the Christian story and the call it places on those who seek to follow Christ.
“These words, spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper, speak not only of His passion, death and resurrection and the gift of the Eucharist, but also the call to self-sacrificial love,” Archbishop Fisher said.
“The richness of this theme will provide countless catechetical opportunities, enriched worship, renewed commitment to the promotion of vocations to priesthood, religious life and marriage, and more intentional service to the poor and vulnerable.”
Most Rev. Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney and CEO of the IEC2028 said that the centrality of the theme to the Catholic faith would serve as a reminder of the gift of Christ in the Eucharist.
“The theme, ‘This is my body, given for you’ goes straight to the heart of our Catholic faith. It reminds us that the Eucharist is not something we do for God, but what Christ does for us – He gives Himself so that we may live in Him,” Bishop Umbers said.
“My hope is that people in Sydney, across Australia, Oceania and the whole world will discover for the first time or rediscover the joy of being nourished by Christ, and be strengthened to become His presence in our communities – other Christs for the life of the world.”
IEC2028 Chief Operating Officer, Benjamin Galea, said “The theme invites us to reflect deeply on this sacred mystery. The Eucharist is not a mere symbol but the living gift of Jesus Himself, truly and really present. It will shape our catechesis and formation in these preparatory years. Our prayer is that this Congress opens hearts, renews the Church in Australia, and leaves a lasting legacy of unity, devotion, and witness.”
To express interest in volunteering for the IEC2028 in Sydney, or to be added to the mailing list for updates, please email: iec2028@sydneycatholic.org
With thanks to the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
