10th National Eucharistic Congress (United States)
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![]() The main stage of the congress at Lucas Oil Stadium | |
Date | July 17–21, 2024 |
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Duration | 5 days |
Venue | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana Convention Center |
Location | Indianapolis |
Coordinates | 39°45′36.2″N 86°9′49.7″W / 39.760056°N 86.163806°W |
Type | Eucharistic congress |
Theme | Revival Happens Here |
Budget | $14 million[1] |
Organized by | Bishop Andrew Cozzens (chairman) Archbishop Charles Thompson (host) Tim Glemkowski (CEO) [2] |
Participants | 55,000 (expected)[3] |
Papal delegate | Luis Cardinal Tagle |
Website | eucharisticcongress |
The Tenth National Eucharistic Congress was held July 17–21, 2024Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, to foster devotion to the sacrament of the Eucharist. It was organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
, atBackground
[edit]Prior Congress history
[edit]From 1895 to 1941, there were nine national congresses held in the United States. The last national congress to occur prior to the 2024 congress was the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1941. While there had been national congresses about every five years prior to the ninth congress, the outbreak of World War II halted the gatherings.[4] Bishop Joseph Schrembs, promoter of national Eucharistic congresses, died shortly after the close of the war. Archbishop Richard Cushing succeeded Schrembs in the role and established a committee for national Eucharistic congresses in 1946, but despite the establishment of that committee, no national congresses were held.[4] There was an international congress in Philadelphia in 1976.[4]
Real Presence controversy
[edit]In 2019, a controversial Pew Research study stated that belief among U.S. Catholics in the dogma of the Real Presence (Transubstantiation) was as low as 33%, alarming many of the nation's bishops.[5] Bishop Robert Barron, then an auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, raised the issue at a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) doctrine committee. An advisory committee was later formed to brainstorm a response.[6]
Eucharistic coherence debate
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/P20220529AS-1242_%2852245764850%29.jpg/220px-P20220529AS-1242_%2852245764850%29.jpg)
Upon the election of President Joe Biden in 2020, members of the USCCB began to discuss the appropriateness of Biden receiving Communion. The Catholic Church teaches that those in mortal sin are not to approach the sacrament prior to sacramental confession,[7] and the Code of Canon Law canon 915 states that those in a state of "manifest grave sin" are not to be admitted to Communion.[8] Joe Biden's public support of abortion was interpreted by many to put him in a state of grave sin and thus made him ineligible for reception of Communion.[9]
In April 2021, it was reported that US bishops were considering asking Biden to stop receiving Communion.[10] Archbishop José Gómez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, informed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that the bishops were planning on submitting a draft of a document "to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils".[11] A May 7 response from Luis Ladaria Ferrer, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, urged bishops to take an "extensive and serene" look at the topic.[11] A group of bishops led by Cardinals Blase J. Cupich and Wilton Daniel Gregory pushed for the tabling of the conversation altogether.[12] As a result of this pushback, by the second half of 2021 the focus had shifted from the denial of communion to Joe Biden to an overall call to "enter more deeply by faith and love into this great Mystery of Mysteries".[13] The bishops released a heavily modified Eucharistic teaching document in 2021.[14]
Eucharistic Revival
[edit]With the overall movement of the bishops leaning towards increasing devotion to the Eucharist among the Catholic faithful, the USCCB officially launched the National Eucharistic Revival on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2022.[15] The three-year program, led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, was launched to "inspire, educate, and unite the faithful in a more intimate relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist", culminating in the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress to be held in Indianapolis in 2024.[15]
The first year of the program focused on diocesan-level initiatives, and the second year focused on parish-level initiatives, with four national Eucharistic processions and the congress to take place at the end of the second year.[15] The third year, following the congress, will be devoted to the Church "going out on mission".[15]
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Source_and_Summit_Procession.jpg/220px-Source_and_Summit_Procession.jpg)
As part of the lead-up to the congress, there were four Eucharistic pilgrimages from the four cardinal directions of the United States that made their way to Indianapolis in time for the congress. The Marian Route started at the Mississippi Headwaters in Bemidji, Minnesota, and travelled through Saint Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago;[16] the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route started in New Haven, Connecticut, and travelled through New York City, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati;[17] the St. Juan Diego Route started in Brownsville, Texas, and travelled through Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Louisville;[18] the St. Junipero Serra Route started in San Francisco and travelled through Reno, Denver, Des Moines, and St. Louis.[19]
Pre-selected "perpetual pilgrims" traveled the entire distance with the Eucharist, stopping along the way for public Eucharistic processions in cities and acts of service.[20] Notable processions along the way included a 7,000-person procession in Saint Paul and a 4,000-person procession in San Francisco.[21][22]
Congress
[edit]Preparation and reactions
[edit]There were initial criticisms of the proposed $28 million budget for the congress, including the ticket cost per participant, not including lodging, of $300.[23] Some families were discouraged by the high price tag.[24] As a result, single-day passes and scholarships were announced, and the budget was halved and brought down to $14 million.[25][1]
In the time leading up to the congress, Pope Francis praised the efforts of the organizers and called it "a significant moment in the life of the Church in the United States".[26] He appointed Luis Cardinal Tagle as the papal envoy to the congress.[27]
In the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, which took place the week prior to the congress, organizers stated that they had numerous protocols in place and were not worried about security threats at the event.[28]
The devotional magazine publisher Magnificat published a special edition of their worship aid for the event.[29]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Eucharistic_Adoration_at_the_Tenth_National_Eucharistic_Congress.jpg/220px-Eucharistic_Adoration_at_the_Tenth_National_Eucharistic_Congress.jpg)
July 17
[edit]The congress opened with adoration and benediction led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens in Lucas Oil Stadium.[30] Prior to the opening event, the check-in line at times stretched for three-quarters of a mile.[30] Christophe Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, addressed the audience afterwards.[31]
A perpetual adoration chapel for the event was located at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, across the street from the convention center, from 9am on July 17 until 9am on the July 21.[32]
July 18
[edit]The second day included youth, Spanish, and Extraordinary Form Masses as well as a Byzantine Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bohdan Danylo.[32] At the main opening Mass, Timothy Cardinal Dolan preached on the need for the sacrifice of the Mass to be central to the lives of Christians.[33] There were dozens of breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon. A performance of Bernadette de Lourdes, the Musical was available in the evening.[34]
The evening keynote speakers were Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart. Schmitz's keynote entitled "The Greatest Love Story," delivered to 50,000 people, emphasized the need for repentance in order to have revival.[35] He went on to talk about how the Eucharist is more important than merely the Real Presence, but culminates in the sacrificial nature of the Mass.[35] Mother Olga's keynote talked about the healing power of the Eucharist.[35] After testimonies by Lila Rose and the parents of Michelle Duppong, the evening ended with adoration led by Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts.[35]
July 19
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Holy_Rosary_Church_Indianapolis_19_July_2024_2.jpg/220px-Holy_Rosary_Church_Indianapolis_19_July_2024_2.jpg)
Masses in English, Vietnamese, Latin, and Spanish were celebrated; Bishop Robert Mark Pipta, Eparch of Parma, celebrated a Byzantine Hierarchical Vigil Divine Liturgy in the afternoon at St. Athanasius Byzantine Church.[34][32]
Morning session speakers included Tony Meléndez, Mary Healy, Patrick Madrid, and bishops Gustavo García-Siller, Joseph A. Espaillat, and Andrew Cozzens.[34] Afternoon breakout session topics included Priestly Eucharistic Identity by Bishop Robert Barron, gender dysphoria, and women.[32]
Evening keynotes were given by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN and Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB. Fr. Boniface's presentation concerned healing from brokenness, and Sr. Josephine Garrett spoke about the important of repentance in the process of healing.[36] Prior to the keynotes, Costa Rican former professional tennis player Paula Umaña spoke of the healing she credits to prayers and the Blessed Virgin Mary.[36]
On both July 18 and 19, there were opportunities from noon to 6:30 pm to pack a goal of 360,000 meals for those in need.[34][37]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/NEC_2024_Adoration_at_Indianapolis_World_War_Memorial_Building.jpg/220px-NEC_2024_Adoration_at_Indianapolis_World_War_Memorial_Building.jpg)
July 20
[edit]On July 20, the main liturgy held at Lucas Oil Stadium was a Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana celebrated by Bishop Joy Alappatt and Archbishop Borys Gudziak.[34]
In the late afternoon, a Eucharistic procession travelled through downtown Indianapolis from the Lucas Oil Stadium to the Indiana World War Memorial, with the final benediction offered by Bishop Andrew Cozzens.[38][39] Around 900 priests, 500 deacons, 550 seminarians, and 900 religious sisters walked in the procession, with around 40,000[37] to 50,000[40] laity lining the streets.[41]
Keynote speakers for the evening were Bishop Robert Barron, Gloria Purvis, Tim Glemkowski, and Jonathan Roumie.[42] The evening closed with adoration with worship music led by Matt Maher.[42]
July 21
[edit]Cardinal Luis Tagle, the papal delegate for the congress, celebrated the closing Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium.[43] He preached on the need for missionary zeal, and expressed the wishes of the Holy Father that the congress would bear much fruit in the Church and society the United States.[43] With over 1,600 seminarians, priests, bishops, and cardinals, the opening procession for the Mass lasted 25 minutes.[43] Approximately 50,000 people were in attendance.[44]
Post-Congress
[edit]Bishop Andrew Cozzens announced that there were preliminary plans for the next congress being in 2033—2,000 years since Jesus' crucifixion—but that it was possible it could be sooner.[43]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Eucharistic Congress scales back numbers, confident on finances". The Pillar. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ National Eucharistic Congress Magnificat. July 2024.
- ^ "'It's been a long, really rewarding journey' | Thousands of Catholics descend on Indianapolis for National Eucharistic Congress". wthr.com. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "Newsletter: Committee on Divine Worship" (PDF). United States Conference of Catholic Bishop. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Smith, Gregory A. (2019-08-05). "Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Eucharistic Revival: USCCB Official Discusses Efforts to Deepen Devotion to the Real Presence". NCR. 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Catechism of the Catholic Church". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "CanonLaw.Ninja - Canon 915". CanonLaw.Ninja. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Kilby, David. "The Eucharistic coherence debate: An overview and timeline". Catholic World Report. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Crary, David (28 April 2021). "US Catholic bishops may press Biden to stop taking Communion". AP News. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ a b "CDF head calls for 'extensive and serene' debate on Communion by US bishops". The Pillar. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "Bishops press Gomez to halt Communion debate". The Pillar. 25 May 2021.
- ^ "USCCB Eucharist draft document focuses on real presence, not Communion denial". The Pillar. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ a b c d Pinedo, Peter. "Updated: Here's what you need to know about the National Eucharistic Revival". Catholic News Agency. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "Marian Route – From the North". www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route – From the East". www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "St. Juan Diego Route – From the South". www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "St. Junipero Serra Route – From the West". www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org.
- ^ "Perpetual Pilgrims". www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Spencer, Susanna (28 May 2024). "He Is Our Source and Summit: An Afternoon Eucharistic Pilgrimage in St. Paul With 7,000 Friends". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Flynn, JD (22 May 2024). "On pilgrimage: 'God has better plans than we do'". The Pillar.
- ^ Fraga, Brian. "US bishops defend planned $28 million eucharistic congress amid criticism | National Catholic Reporter". www.ncronline.org. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ "The cost of communion - Is the Eucharistic Congress too expensive?". The Pillar. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ Bukuras, Joe (17 November 2023). "National Eucharistic Congress Releases Schedule, Offers Scholarships and Weekend Passes". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ "To the Organizing Committee of the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States of America (19 June 2023) | Francis". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ Pope Francis. "Letter from Pope Francis Appointing Cardinal Tagle as Special Envoy to the Congress". www.eucharisticrevival.org. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ "Eucharistic Congress: 'We're ready' for Indianapolis security". The Pillar. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ National Eucharistic Congress Magnificat. July 2024.
- ^ a b "'I am the living bread' — The Eucharistic Congress, Day 1". The Pillar. 18 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Phelps, Brett. "Watch as the National Eucharistic Congress convenes for the first time in 83 years". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d 10th National Eucharistic Congress Program. National Eucharistic Congress. 17 July 2024. p. 9-10, 74-75.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Palmer, Matt (18 July 2024). "New York's Cardinal Dolan at Eucharistic Congress: Catholics Must Recover Centrality of Mass". The Catholic University of America. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Official Schedule for the National Eucharistic Congress". www.eucharisticcongress.org. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d Caldwell, Zelda (19 July 2024). "Father Mike Schmitz preaches repentance at Eucharistic Congress". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
- ^ a b McKeown, Jonah (20 July 2024). "An Invitation to Find Healing in Jesus: Day 3 of the Eucharistic Congress". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ a b "'Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament' — The Eucharist Congress, Days 3 and 4". The Pillar. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Padilla, Noe (July 19, 2024). "Road closures in downtown Indianapolis in preparation of Saturday's Eucharistic procession". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ Eucharistic Procession in Indianapolis, National Eucharistic Congress - July 20, 2024 (News livestream). Indianapolis: EWTN. 20 July 2024. Event occurs at 3:03:25. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ Padilla, Noe. "Eucharistic procession invoked 'a moment of unity' for thousands of Catholics". The Indianapolis Star.
- ^ EWTN News [@EWTNnews] (July 20, 2024). "History was made! Check out this amazing timelapse of the Eucharistic Procession in Indianapolis at the National Eucharistic Congress #eucharisticcongress #eucharisticrevival" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "Final revival night energizes thousands at Eucharistic congress to be 'alive again' in Christ". www.osvnews.com. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d Mares, Courtney (21 July 2024). "National Eucharistic Congress ends with prayer for 'new Pentecost'". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ "'To love and serve the Lord' - The Eucharistic Congress concludes". The Pillar. 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
External links
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