This is a miniature replica of the Ark of the New Covenant, which was created by Montreal artist Alain Rioux, in preparation for 2008 International Eucharistic Congress (CEI).

For the first time in the CEI’s history, this symbolic object had been carried in a cross-country pilgrimage to attract and unite people of all generations around Jesus Christ.

The Ark was designed to encourage participation in the activities related to the main objectives of the Congress:

• Catechesis: The base of the Ark is shaped like the hull of a boat. The deck supports a rectangular chest decorated with icons depicting passages from the Gospels. These iconographic representations can serve as the basis for Eucharistic catechesis.
• Liturgy: The chest is designed to hold either the Bible or a monstrance containing the Real Presence. All forms of prayer are possible.
• Commitment: The Ark was designed to hold the commitment forms of the faithful, invited to sign a “Eucharistic Charter.
The name of the Ark of the New Covenant The Ark of the New Covenant’s name originates in the Bible. It recalls the original Covenant: the spiritual experience of the people Israel and their pact with God given through Moses on Mount Sinai. The term New Covenant refers to the new and everlasting covenant given in Jesus Christ through the paschal mystery of his death and resurrection—as celebrated by Christians in the Eucharist.

The base of the Ark of the New Covenant The base of the Ark of the New Covenant is in the form of a boat. It brings to mind Noah’s Ark, the vessel God commanded Noah to build. Here, however, the emphasis is more on the boat of Peter, the apostle to whom Christ entrusted his Church. (cf. Jn 1:42). Since the time of the New Covenant, a bark or boat has symbolized the Church: God’s pilgrim people setting sail, following Peter’s example (cf. Lk 5:4). The Church, sent out into the world by Christ, proclaims the Gospel to all nations through its words and deeds. Five different kinds of wood were used to build the base of the Ark. They symbolize the universality of the Church, proclaiming that the good news of the Gospel is for all nations, called to become ONE body in Jesus Christ.

The hold of the Ark of the New Covenant The Ark’s hold was designed to receive messages on its travels—testimonies of Christian commitment. In article 14 of his encyclical God is Love, Benedict XVI reminds us that, “A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented.” The Eucharist and mission constantly call each other into being.

The angels in adoration before the mystery In Israel, the cloud covering the Ark of the Covenant was the sign of God’s physical presence among his people. To speak to the Israelites, God descended to enter the small space between the spreading cherubim wings at the top of the ark. (cf. Ex 25:21). The Ark of the New Covenant symbolizes the full mystery of Christ. Therefore, the angels are present in adoration.

The Ark is carried In Israel, the Ark of God was carried before his people as they marched through the desert. (cf. Nb 10:33–35). The Ark of the New Covenant is also carried in processions from one place of worship to the next, one church to the next, and one diocese to the next. A symbol of God’s presence, it accompanies the pilgrim Church, the people of God made up of believers of all ages as they follow in Christ’s footsteps. The Ark is also there to accompany anyone wishing to pursue the path of faith toward the mystery of Christ. Its symbolism invites anyone seeking the water of life to listen to Jesus’ words to the woman of Samaria, “If you only knew the gift of God.” (Jn 4:10a)