TENS OF THOUSANDS TO GATHER AT NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS
Catholics from every corner of our nation will gather together for a historic moment at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. The Catholic Post Online/National Eucharistic Congress
By Courtney Grussing
of The Catholic Post Online
It’s been 83 years since the Catholic Church held a gathering for its members in one place, but it will happen again in Indianapolis, Indiana July 17-21. The National Eucharistic Congress will bring Catholics of all ages together to further their relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist.
The Congress is just one part of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative to respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit and reignite the flame of faith that burns in our hearts. The other piece of the movement is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a coast-to-coast journey with Jesus that will converge next week in Indianapolis.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Approximately 200 people will represent the Diocese of Peoria at the Congress. Diocesan director of divine worship Philip Lee and Seminarian JohnPaul Stedwill shared their hopes and expectations for the event.
Philip Lee, director of divine worship for the diocese, shares his thoughts about the Congress. The Catholic Post Online
Lee stated, “I think that the greatest significance of this Eucharistic Congress is that it will be our first one since Vatican II. The Church as a whole has opened up so much since then to offer opportunities for the laity to be involved, engaged, and to lead … Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is known to have said that it will be the people that will save our Church and I look forward to this Congress being a launching point for a big moment in our Church in the U.S. and Diocese.”
JOY AND REALITY OF THE EUCHARIST HAVE NO BARRIERS
Stedwill will return from an immersion trip in Guatemala just in time to attend the National Eucharistic Congress. The Catholic Post Online
Stedwill spent six weeks in Antigua, Guatemala this summer as part of his seminary formation. He shared the following: “The culture in Guatemala is different, but the joy and reality of the Eucharist is not! …
The Eucharist is truly a gift, an encounter with Christ, that we must not be afraid to proclaim in the streets and a treasure we must adore in the intimacy of silence.
– Seminarian JohnPaul Stedwill
Even if you can’t attend in person, there are ways to participate. For more information visit https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/.
