The National Eucharistic Congress brought nearly 60,000 Catholics together for five days in Indianapolis to worship Our Lord and celebrate the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The congress kicked off with an awe-inspiring evening with the convergence of the four pilgrimages that traveled over 6,500 miles through 22 states to Lucas Oil Stadium. This is believed to be the longest eucharistic procession in the Church’s history. When the 25 pilgrims that walked the entire route entered the stadium, they were greeted with a roaring standing ovation.
Then, Jesus entered … the packed stadium went silent. Everyone fell to their knees. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who led the creation of the congress, processed around the stadium, holding the largest monstrance ever made, before resting Jesus on the altar. In silence, everyone adored and worshiped Our Lord.
Each day the Congress offered:
• Masses concelebrated by hundreds of bishops and cardinals from all over the United States.
• Incredible speakers who inspired and enriched the hearts and minds of the attendees.
• Talented musicians and singers who led the worship music.
• Fellowship with Catholics from every part of the United States and of every age from infants to the elderly.
• Amazing moments of hope, healing and mercy which were received in so many ways, including confession, daily adoration and encounters with fellow attendees and those on the streets.
Although the National Eucharistic Congress concluded, it’s only the beginning of a new era of Eucharistic Revival. This is not a new mission; it’s the same mission Jesus shared with his followers. What’s new is the focus — an eucharistic focus so we can all more freely participate with Jesus in pouring ourselves out in sacrificial love. We all are encouraged to GO … go forth and share Jesus’ love with others.
Pilgrim Reflections
Pilgrims described their experience as “life-changing,” “a feeling of real unity and peace,” “great joy and enthusiasm that was contagious,” “you could feel Jesus’ love and mercy” and “the Holy Spirit filled hearts and set them ablaze.”
On the next few pages are excerpts of personal reflections from some of the Diocese of Gaylord pilgrims. Read about their encounters with Christ and how the congress transformed their hearts.
Jean Rooyakker, St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord
The five days at the National Eucharistic Congress were so beyond what I could have imagined. I went hoping to come back saying yes to being a missionary, and by the final day I was able to say with conviction that I would be a missionary for the Lord.
The sheer volume of Catholics who were in love with the Eucharistic Jesus and hungry to grow in their commitment was overwhelming. There was a unity, joy and gift of giving from all the pilgrims. We all came together for one reason: to honor, bless and praise Jesus in the Eucharist.
Adoration ended each evening session, and in a stadium filled with more than 50,000 people, there was total silence and reverence! Confession lines often were long, extending into a room that held 50 priests and bishops.
God is at work. The Holy Spirit is alive. Jesus is our healer. Jesus is a gift to us in the Eucharist, and we are a gift to others as we take him into ourselves and then to others in our walks of life each day.
Therese O’Brien, St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City
I’m so grateful to God and to our diocese that made it possible for me to attend the congress because I am changed.
The most powerful moment for me was hearing Dr. Mary Healy and Father Matthias Thelen speak on forgiveness and healing. They took us through the steps of healing, which begins with forgiving anyone who might have caused hurt in our hearts. Next they encouraged us to “pray big” and ask God to heal anything causing pain. I broke my tailbone 22 years ago, and it was causing me much suffering due to the long bus ride and hard plastic chairs in the stadium. In hopeful anticipation, I asked God to heal my tailbone. In a flash, electricity went through me head to toe, and my pain was gone! I have not had any more pain since that moment. I was healed!
Dr. Healy said: “Healed people heal people.” She encouraged us to share what God had given us with others. This is my calling. I want to share my story with others and pray with them, asking Jesus, present in the Eucharist, to heal them, just as he healed those he touched in the Bible and healed me. My friends, this is REAL! Jesus in the Eucharist is REAL! He loves you and wants to heal all your pain and sorrow.
Sue Wiley, St. Matthew, Boyne City
The most powerful moment for me was during our morning Impact Session with Father Mathias and Dr. Mary Healy. As they led us through steps of healing, we began with forgiveness. So many times, I have tried to surrender to the Lord, and so many times I’ve taken it back from him to fix it myself. This time, I totally surrendered everything to the Lord. I prayed, “Your will be done Lord, not mine.” I completely listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and laid everything down at the foot of the cross, and I forgave.
Next, we were encouraged to “pray big,” to ask God to heal us from anything causing us pain. When Dr. Healy called out “left eye,” I immediately began praying for whoever needed that healing. At that moment with my eyes closed and the palms of my hand open, I felt a powerful surge of energy that began in my feet and moved to my forehead. It was very powerful but peaceful. I continued praying for whoever needed that healing for their left eye. I also thanked God for saving sight in my right eye because last Christmas Eve, a vein spilled blood onto my optic nerve, resulting in loss of sight to my left eye. When I opened my eyes at the conclusion of the service, I was in total shock because the vision in my left eye had been healed. Thanksgiving and praise to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, a taste of heaven embraced my heart. As I write this testimony, I am still in wonder and awe and want to convey my deepest thankfulness for the most amazing experience in my life!
Catherine Taylor, St. Helen Parish, St. Helen
The homily of Cardinal Luis Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for the Lord. Evangelization, truly resonated with me. The gift of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and his love for us will be our gift to people. We are called to GO and share Jesus’ tender love with the poor, the homeless, the weary, the hungry, the suffering, the confused and the weak. We are called to share the gift of forgiveness and peace with those who are divided.
I pray to be that gift of Jesus as I journey back to Arusha, Tanzania, Africa. As I assist young orphans, school children, elderly and impoverished families, let me GO and be the eyes, ears, hands and feet of Jesus, with a heart to tenderly love like him.
As Cardinal Tagle explained, mission is not just about work but also about the gift of oneself. May we all GO to proclaim Jesus with joyful hearts and with a burning desire to do his will for the life of everyone throughout the world.
