Since the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) we have been offering some catechesis regarding the Eucharist, highlighting the importance of the Communion Procession and Communion hymn, our united posture, and even the sacred silence that follows. For the past three years, the Bishops of the United States have sponsored a National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist - the source and summit of our Catholic faith.
This revival is culminating in a Eucharistic Congress, the first in 83 years. Tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected to gather at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 17-24. Since 1895, the U.S. has been host to nine Eucharistic Congresses, one in Cleveland in 1935, and two International ones (1926 and 1976). The first International Eucharistic Congress was held in Lille, France, in 1881. It was organized by a laywoman, Marie-Marthe-Baptistine Tamisier, in response to the decline of the Catholic Church in France following the French Revolution. Pope Leo XIII founded the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses in 1879, to plan the first and subsequent gatherings.
What will happen at the National Eucharistic Congress? It will include activities focused around cultivating a greater understanding of, and love for, the Eucharist. These activities will include Daily Mass, general sessions (speakers in large venues for all attendees), breakout sessions (small group discussions), Eucharistic processions and adoration, festival programming, musical performances, and more.
In solidarity with our brothers and sisters throughout the nation, our parish will host a weekend of Solemn Eucharistic Devotions beginning Friday evening, July 19, and ending Sunday afternoon, July 21. In between Masses, perpetual Adoration will take place in the church around the clock, with the Liturgy of Hours prayed communally at the appropriate times. This will be a beautiful opportunity to deepen our love for the Lord present in the Eucharist, and grow in our love for one another as a parish family. In order to facilitate this well, with all faithfulness and reverence, it will require the presence and devotion of many. Please mark your calendars and be on the lookout for opportunities to pray and adore, serve as liturgical ministers, and offer hospitality.
If there were any greater gift, He would have given it to us.
Fr. Terry