Eucharistic Compesses honor and celebrate the Holy Eucharist and especially the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Christ. The laity as well as priests and religious attend Eucharistic Congresses Catechetical and other educational sessions are available for participants.

The first Eucharistic Congress was in Lille, France in 1881. Beginning in 1964, Vatican City has issued stamps for the 38th (Mumbai. 1964) to the last Congress. Congresses are now scheduled every 3-5 years. Pope Pius X was the first pope to attend a Congress (Rome, 1905). Beginning with Pope Paul VI. popes attend a portion of Eucharistic Congresses. Initially located in Western Europe, Eucharistic Congresses am now international in scope and location.