In an event resembling an arena tour, a Catholic bishop brought the spotlight onto a golden vessel, carrying a round communion host symbolizing Jesus within bread, placed at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This marked the start of a five-day National Eucharistic Congress, gathering thousands of Catholics to emphasize the real presence of Jesus and reviving traditional devotions that have declined over the years.
The congress aimed to reignite passion for the Eucharist and address the core Catholic belief in Jesus’ tangible presence rather than symbolic representation. The gathering featured devotional adoration, prayers, speakers, and music ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary tunes, all promoting the significance of the Eucharist.
Attendees, including members of religious orders and priests, expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting the powerful sense of unity and faith experienced while worshipping collectively. The congress, a revival of a series of similar events held between 1895 and 1941, signified a push to revive traditional Catholic practices that have dwindled in modern times.
Among the speakers was Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Pope Francis’ diplomatic representative to the U.S., who endorsed the Eucharistic revival. The event also featured displays of saints’ relics and a replica of the Shroud of Turin, believed by some to be Jesus’ burial cloth, further emphasizing the traditionalist theme.
Although logistical delays were encountered during the event, organizers aimed to make it accessible to all, offering discounted tickets and free admission for young children. Despite taking place amidst a politically charged climate, organizers stressed that the congress was a spiritual gathering aimed at unifying the church and facilitating encounters with Jesus in the Eucharist.
