Parishes and communities across the country are intensifying preparations with less than 100 days to go to the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. So far more than a million people have symbolically rung the Eucharistic Congress Bell as that symbol of renewal criss-crosses the island of Ireland in preparation for the June 10-17 event.
The pilgrimage of the bell will take on an international flavour on March 17 when it travels to Rome to raise universal awareness of the event which is expected to be the largest celebration of faith in Ireland since Pope John Paul II visited in 1979.
Archbishop Martin insists that the congress is ''a unique opportunity for renewal of the Christian life''.
''To the surprise of its critics the Eucharistic Congress is taking shape as a genuine moment of renewal in the Church,'' he said.
Organisers are encouraging parishes to use the forthcoming feastday of St Patrick to intensify preparation.
'Ring for Renewal' invites people to pause for a moment and reflect on how they can be renewed as individuals and members of the Church as they prepare for the congress.
Cathedrals and churches are being asked to ring their bells for two minutes at noon and 6pm after the traditional Angelus chimes.
''By ringing a bell on St Patrick's Day, everyone can join the journey towards the congress in their own personal way,'' according to Fr Kevin Doran, secretary general of IEC2012.
Parishes are encouraged to leave a bell in a suitable place for people to ring in the context of a visit to the church on St Patrick's Day, for Mass or for personal prayer.
Fr Doran said that ''more than one million people have shown their interest in the congress when it came to them in the form of the Eucharistic Congress Bell.
''With 100 days to go, we are inviting those same people, young and old, men and women, clergy, religious and members of the lay faithful, to pay a return visit. 'Come to the Congress. Book your place now. There will be something for everybody,'' he said.