In 1913, Malta hosted one of the largest congresses ever to be held on these islands.

A very elaborate stage/tribune had been erected roughly where the Independence monument stands today.

The location was ideal as that area was still completely open. Not even the Phoenicia Hotel had as yet been built. The reason was the International Eucharistic Congress which had reached its climax in Floriana.

The Congress was spread over many days and various events took place all over the islands. Many cardinals and other personalities had come to Malta for that occasion. Eventually, as a commemoration, the statue of Christ the King was erected and still stands to remind generations of that unique event.

Twenty-five years later, in 1938, a Diocesan Congress was organised, and this time the special tribune was erected on the Granaries, in front of the Floriana parish church. It is therefore worthwhile reminding one and all that in three years' time, it will be the first centenary of that Eucharistic Congress and perhaps the ecclesiastical and civil authorities should unite on the same basis as they had cooperated for the recent visit by His Holiness the Pope. Such an occasion could also form the basis for a great effort in the unity of all Christian churches and the seeking of world peace. The small size of Malta, combined with its geographical position, is an ideal venue for such a scope.

Eucharistic congresses are gatherings of ecclesiastics and laymen for the purpose of celebrating and glorifying the Holy Eucharist and of seeking the best means to spread its knowledge and love throughout the world. The real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is one of the principal dogmas of the Catholic Faith and is therefore of paramount importance as the most precious treasure that Christ has left to His Church.

The main advantages of these congresses have been in the concentration of the thoughts of the faithful upon the mystery of the altar, and in making known to them the means by which devotion may be promoted and implanted in the hearts of the people. The promoters of Eucharistic Congresses believe that thus the devotion to the Holy Eucharist becomes more widespread. The practice of frequent Communion has spread rapidly and extensively, and this has been ascribed in great part to these gatherings.

Will Malta and Gozo take such an occasion and start planning in earnest?