“HE IS HERE!” Diocese of Peoria contingent joins 60,000 encountering Jesus at National Eucharistic Congress
Father Patrick Wille (foreground), parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish in Moline had the honor of participating in the procession of the monstrance at the National Eucharistic Conference. The Catholic Post Online/Bob Wille
By Courtney Grussing
of The Catholic Post Online
For some, the National Eucharistic Congress July 17–21 in Indianapolis was a mountaintop experience in their faith journey; for others, it was an invitation to begin the climb in earnest. More than 60,000 Catholics came together united in faith from all 50 states and 17 countries.
The congress commenced with pilgrims converging from four routes after travelling more than 6,500 miles from coast to coast to celebrate Jesus and proclaim His good news. Attendees fell to their knees as the monstrance carrying the Eucharist – our Savior, Jesus Christ – was carried in by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress.
“The most powerful reminder that God was with me came in the form of the Eucharist.” – NASA astronaut Colonel Mike Hopkins
During the five-day event, attendees experienced processions, Masses, liturgies, perpetual adoration, individual presentations, musical performances and so much more. Speakers included bishops, priests, nuns, deacons, authors, activists, authors, broadcasters and even NASA astronaut Colonel Mike Hopkins.
Their messages were unique yet all focused on how the Eucharist brings our hearts closer to Jesus and how we can celebrate and share our faith. Colonel Hopkins shared how God was with him on his two space missions, including five spacewalks. “The most powerful reminder that God was with me came in the form of the Eucharist,” he said.
For five days, Lucas Oil Stadium was home to the National Eucharistic Congress where more than 60,000 Catholics joined together to be in the company of Jesus. The Catholic Post Online/Phillip Lee
LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH AS A FAMILY
Jen and Paul Pribaz and their seven children of St. Jude Parish in Peoria attended the congress together. “We really strive to live our faith as a family; it just seemed natural that we do this as a family as well,” said Jen Pribaz.
The Pribaz family of St. Jude Parish in Peoria poses for a photo with Dominican Sisters of Mary from Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Catholic Post Online/Phillip Lee
Each member of the Pribaz family experienced his or her own transformational or special moment.
“I could not stop thinking about how happy Our Lord must have been to see so many of his children gathered together to witness his true presence in the Eucharist.” – St. Jude parishioner Jen Pribaz
Jen enjoyed witnessing all the priests, bishops, cardinals and seminarians processing and recessing for Mass. “I could not stop thinking about how happy Our Lord must have been to see so many of his children gathered together to witness his true presence in the Eucharist,” she said.
Jacob, the eldest Pribaz child, said, “Seeing Bishop (Robert) Barron speak and being on the floor so close to him was surreal.” The youngest of the Pribaz clan, 7-year-old Miriam, shared, “The concert on Friday night was my favorite!”
MOVING MOMENTS FOR DIOCESAN MEMBERS
Bishop Louis Tylka, Sister Catherine Thomas Brennan, OP, Father Patrick Henehan, deacons and seminarians pause for a group photo in between sessions. The Catholic Post Online/Amanda Connon
The Diocese of Peoria was well represented among congress participants. A highlight for Phillip Lee, director of divine worship for the diocese, was meeting bishops, priests, seminarians, deacons, religious and laity from all over the country. “To gather together to grow in our faith and love of the Eucharist and to celebrate Mass together really shows the Catholic Church as a universal Church,” said Lee.
Joanne Bibb, director of children’s religious education at Holy Family Parish in Danville, had a special moment before the congress even began. She and her husband, David, were in Indianapolis for the baptism of their grandson at St. John the Evangelist, the church that served as the perpetual adoration chapel during the Congress. Bishop Cozzens said Mass and performed the baptism.
Samuel David Bibb had a special guest, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, perform his baptism at St. John the Evangelist in Indianapolis. From left, Sarah Johnson, godmother; Marian Bibb, mother, holding baby Samuel; Bishop Cozzens; Father John Calabro, godfather; Brian Bibb, Samuel’s father. The Catholic Post Online/Joanne Bibb
“It was a pretty powerful moment for me,” Joanne shared. She added that her favorite part of the congress was feeling united with tens of thousands of Catholics, especially after receiving the Eucharist when each person became a living tabernacle.
GO IN PEACE TO LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD
His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle celebrated Mass on the final day. He reminded everyone to share the love of Jesus with others, and as the papal envoy, he delivered blessings and prayers on behalf of Pope Francis.
The congress may have ended on July 21 but the movement did not. Bishop Cozzens announced that plans have started for the next congress, as well as a pilgrimage walk from Indianapolis to Los Angeles in spring 2025. Whether you attended the congress in person, virtually or vicariously through a friend or family member, there is a role for everyone in the National Eucharistic Revival. Visit https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/ for more information.
