“The bridegroom is coming to do something for this land,” said Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN, a speaker at the National Eucharistic Congress. “I don’t think there’s anyone who could say that our land and our American Church does not need healing,” she said. From the outset, bishops wanted the National Eucharistic Revival to spark a grassroots movement to renew our hope.
And we’re beginning to see it happen.
Stories of revival are coming in from across the country. The Archdiocese of Detroit partnered with the Hallow app to collect testimonies about how Eucharistic devotion has inspired faith across the country. Jenny Guadiana, a wife and mother with terminal cancer, shared, “The Eucharist always, never failing, gives me a small but noticeable boost that seems to calm any fears, anxiety, and even physical pain.” A convert struggling to believe in the Real Presence, David Kennedy found peace unlike anything he had ever experienced before the Blessed Sacrament. He said: “Jesus came to me in that chapel when I was confused about what to do, felt out of place, was struggling and distracted. He met me right where I was, and I have remembered that moment.” Andreya Vo was preparing to receive her confirmation and had her fears allayed through a powerful encounter with Jesus in Eucharist Adoration. She said: “I just felt safe in knowing that Jesus wants to lead me on this path. I am not walking this new journey alone.” Many more testimonies have been collected by the “I am Here” campaign and are available to read online.
Creative initiatives like passports to visit adoration chapels and attend revival events have been issued in dioceses across the country. There have been exhibits on Eucharistic miracles. There have been art contests. There have been events featuring dynamic Catholic speakers. There have been concerts. And processions. And devotions.
It all culminates in Indianapolis
And all of this continues to build momentum. In 2024, we will conclude the second of three years of revival, culminating with the first National Eucharistic Congress to be held in the United States in 83 years.
The National Eucharistic Congress to be held in Indianapolis, July 17-21, promises to be an inspiring event, bringing together Catholics from all over the country. From the outset, OSV enthusiastically supported this initiative. We look forward to hearing OSV authors speak and meeting our readers throughout the congress. Organizers recently announced that the congress now includes a day pass option. We hope that many people living in the Indianapolis area will take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
Coming together is important. We all experienced the isolation brought on by COVID-19. So many Catholics continue to feel alone in the practice of their faith. An event like this connects fellow travelers to one another to encourage one another in Christ (cf. 2 Cor 1:5-7).
Pilgrimage has always meant sacrificing time and money. The National Eucharistic Congress is no different. The time and expense demonstrate to fellow Catholics and the world that our faith is worth investing in. The scale of the gathering, which is being run by world-class production and events designers, will help us learn and pray in ways that cannot be replicated on the parish level.
If you can’t attend, support a pilgrim
If you cannot attend the National Eucharistic Congress, you can still support it. Consider sponsoring another pilgrim or donating directly to the congress. But more importantly, the event must be covered in prayer and supported by fasting.
Another way to participate is to meet pilgrims along the route. Pilgrims will be traveling (in four different routes) across the country, convening in Indianapolis. Those pilgrims will need hospitality and encouragement. Many places along the way will be hosting opportunities for prayer connected with the pilgrimage. Consider attending one of those.
You could even plan your own Eucharistic pilgrimage, taking seriously the call to set time aside for Christ this upcoming Lent or Easter season. Perhaps travel to a local shrine, participate in all the liturgies of Holy Week at your parish, or adopt another practice to express devotion to the Eucharist.
“We need the love of the Eucharist of Jesus in this land,” said Sister Josephine. Tens of thousands of people will gather around our Eucharistic Lord this summer. In Philadelphia at the International Eucharistic Congress held in 1974, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (the future Pope St. John Paul II), St. Mother Teresa, and Servant of God Dorothy Day were all assembled. What future saints will be in Indianapolis this summer? Will you be one of them?
