By Shawna Hanson
Eucharistic Revival Point Person

The 10th National Eucharistic Congress opened in Lucas Oil Stadium with an impressive ceremony welcoming the perpetual pilgrims who had traveled more than 6,500 miles across America to Indianapolis. Judging from the enthusiastic response of the more than 60,000 people at the Congress, many had already experienced an outpouring of grace and hope during the pilgrimage. It was beautiful to witness the joy and gratitude of so many and to listen to their applause and cheering.

The most moving moment of the evening for me came just after the last of the four routes was highlighted. The stadium went dark and a voice rang out, “He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end,” followed by a powerful video presentation reminding us of the grandeur and power of God. The video ended as it had begun — in darkness and with the words “He is here.” A spotlight shown on the monstrance, the choir broke out in song and adoration began. More than 60,000 people worshiped the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Nightly adoration was the pinnacle for another pilgrim, Amy Tweed, Rapid City. “The highlight of the Congress was the nightly adoration — in spite of kneeling on concrete or metal. From Wednesday’s initial experience through Saturday evening’s adoration, I was captured by Jesus. Music filled the stadium. We sang. We cried. We praised. We adored our Lord.”

Many of our pilgrims were touched by the witness of other participants. “The blessing of attending the Eucharistic Congress was 60,000 people who sang as if with one voice, it was amazing. Having time to visit one-on-one with many of our companions on the journey cemented casual friendships at church into enduring relationships,” said Hugh Brechtel, Rapid City.

Deacon Raul Daniel, Rapid City, was moved by how many families attended with their children. He asked one mom (a total stranger) what made them decide to bring their children. She replied, “The Lord! We came for the Lord, and we want our children to see and experience all of these religious.”

He said, “I saw many reasons for us to have hope for this next generation of young people coming behind us,” he said.

Susan Mollman, Lead, found hope and inspiration in the opportunities to experience the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Church. “Attending the Eucharistic Congress was one of the most uplifting and inspiring things I have ever done. In addition to the usual Masses, I was blessed to be able to attend the Ukrainian Byzantine Divine Liturgy and the Syro-Malabar Qurbãnã Rite Liturgy. The reverence and beauty of these liturgies was incredible. And the happiness with which their celebrants shared their worship with us was truly touching. They were so welcoming and pleased to share with those of us who had never experienced their rites. The diversity of the Church was also evident in the participants — people of all ages and from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds were present and it was inspiring to see all of the unique expressions of the faith they bring to the Church.”

I was struck by the bold confidence and courage that the speakers had. We were blessed with inspiring testimonies, deep theological reflection, anointed preaching, much laughter, and great wisdom. I am also moved by the reality of the sacrifice of those who brought this Congress together and made it happen. It was a tremendous amount of work, and it was beautifully done. The planning team went out of their way to make families feel welcome and comfortable. They provided a wide range of talks geared for particular ages, stages of life, and ministries.

It was an amazing moment for the Catholic Church in America and I pray that it bears abundant fruit in our diocese. Participants left with a very clear invitation to “GO home and share the many graces of the Congress; “to share the Gospel with confidence, to rejoice always and to become saints.” according to Chris Stefanick a speaker at the event.