2024 Eucharistic Congress (Indianapolis, IN)
“A Reflection”
Over 50,000 Catholic bishops, priests, religious, and faithful converged in Indianapolis for the 10th annual National Eucharistic Congress–a weekend of renewal and personal revival. This profound gathering was organized to encourage Catholic Christians to re-connect, re-orient, and return to the foundation of our faith, namely the Eucharist. Through the impact and breakout sessions, revival gatherings, celebrations of the Holy Mass (Liturgy), access to Eucharistic adoration and Confession, and through the many opportunities of communal fellowship, the pilgrims were able to encounter the love of Christ in a transformative and life-changing way.
Upon arrival, our group, representing the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma (OH), was completely amazed by the scope and size of the event. The Eucharistic Congress began with the branches of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage arriving in Indianapolis from the four corners of the United States—truly profound! The daily schedule of events began with morning liturgy, followed by presentations with compelling topics for adult Catholics, youth, ministry leaders, and families, and concluded with large revival sessions in the Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts!). These large revival sessions showcased some the best Catholic influencers and presenters, notable Catholic bishops, and highlighted some very powerful witness voices. An expo was also provided that offered resources, materials, exhibits from various Catholic charitable organizations, orders, universities, and marketplaces. The schedule was dynamic, and the expo and event experiences (Bernadette de Lourdes Showcase + The Shroud of Turin Exhibit) made for a full day!
Our group was particularly moved by the inclusion of the different types and forms of Catholic worship. The program featured a Byzantine Liturgy (Ukrainian), a Mass according to the 1962 Missal, a Byzantine Divine Liturgy (Ruthenian), and a Syro-Malabar Qurbana. It was beautiful to witness the unique and rich traditions of the Church expressed liturgically—a church ‘breathing with both lungs’!
This gathering truly was a moment for the Church—a moment of witness, a moment of transformation, and a moment of re-birth. We are all called to take the reality of this Eucharistic renewal into our communities and into our homes as we experience a new Pentecost and a Church alive!
-Michael Levy
