Tenth National Eucharistic Congress opens with 50,000 people in IndianapolisOn July 21, the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in the United States came to a close. After five days of activity in Indianapolis, the country's Catholics set out on their journey home in the hope that the Eucharistic Revival bring to the Church a "new Pentecost".
Those attending the National Eucharistic Congress were also able to attend impact sessions and massive adorations during the last three days. The theme of the third day was "In Gethsemane". As explained by the organizers of the event, the objective of focusing on the Passion of Christ was the purification and restoration of hearts.
Throughout the day, participants prayed the Rosary for America, attended Holy Mass, received impact sessions on the family or the apostolate and were able to attend an exhibit on the Shroud of Turin.
The Eucharistic Congress on the streets of Indianapolis
The theme for the fourth day was "This is my body". On the Congress website they indicated that, "taking the early Church as a model, this day will form the participants as disciples of Jesus Christ to live the Gospel in their love for God and neighbor".
A special highlight of this penultimate day was the opportunity for attendees to participate in a Mass with the liturgy of the Eastern Rite, officiated by Msgr. Joy Alappatt and Archbishop Borys Gudziak. In the afternoon, the sessions focused on topics such as Eucharistic theology, the social mission of the Catholic and digital evangelization.
In addition, social networks were filled with photos showing the great procession that went through Indianapolis. As part of the event, Christ crossed the streets of the U.S. city followed by thousands of people: young people, seminarians, lay people, the elderly and entire families.
A new Pentecost
The fifth day had as its theme "To the ends of the earth". The impact sessions focused on encouraging Catholics to be Eucharistic missionaries and organizers announced that they are preparing a new pilgrimage from Indianapolis to Los Angeles during the spring of 2025.
The National Eucharistic Congress concluded with a closing Mass presided over by the papal delegate, the Cardinal Tagle. During his homily, the Cardinal conveyed to those present the Pope's wish that the Congress would result in the conversion of Catholics to the Eucharist. By appreciating the treasure of the Body and Blood of Christ, the papal delegate affirmed, the faithful will truly be able to be evangelizers.
Once everything was over, the thousands of attendees returned home with the mission constantly repeated throughout the five days: Catholics are authentic missionaries, called to "joyfully proclaim the Gospel in every corner of our nation".
The next phase of the Eucharistic Revival is now beginning in the United States, the third year of this initiative, called the "Year of Mission," and the last of this project led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
