A priest carries the monstrance into Lucas Oil Stadium during the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last week
By Barb Arland-Fye
The Catholic Messenger
Linda Pieper: “I had the honor and privilege to attend the 10th National Eucharistic Congress with my husband, Lee and our daughter Hanna,” said Pieper of St. John Parish in Houghton. “The Holy Spirit was moving in a powerful and profound way. There were more than 50,000 Catholics attending the Eucharistic Congress who left feeling renewed, refreshed and revived!”
“On the last day, keynote speaker Chris Stefanick stated that our country is in desperate need of a savior and his name is not Joe or Don but Jesus Christ.” Stefanick urged the gathering to tell the Good News of the Gospel with joy, confidence, praise and holiness. “My sincere prayer is that everyone who attended the Congress will help begin a new chapter in our Church through the gift and power of the holy Eucharist.”
Hanna Uchytil: “Our Church, the bridegroom of Christ, is finding renewal of love, hope and healing,” said Uchytil of St. Anthony Parish in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. “Our Catholic faith teaches us that when we are receiving the sacrament of Communion, we are consuming the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. This is our lifeline to heaven. This lifeline is our faith, which we can trace to the upper room…. On the final day of the National Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Luis Tagle celebrated the closing Mass and delivered a homily reminding participants, the gift of (Jesus’) presence and love for us will be our gift to people. … A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people.”
Ray and Theresa Palczynski: “Our most moving experience was the people in attendance with us, 50,000+ people. We have one thing in common with all of them. Our faith!,” said the couple of St. John Vianney Parish in Bettendorf. “Imagine over 50,000 people praying and singing. Better yet, imagine over 50,000 people in silence, many on their knees in adoration of the holy Eucharist. Amen!”
Lynn Lawler: One of the highlights for Lawler, also of St. John Vianney, was “watching the teens rush the stage at (Saturday) night’s revival. It gave me hope, joy and optimism for the future; they are seeking Jesus in their life. It means that they are not succumbing to peer pressure!”
Brent Earley: “Ordinary and everyday encounters can be sanctified and profound,” said Earley, a St. John Vianney parishioner. “My faith life can be summed up in these words. I’ve seen the fruits of faith in my life, as a whole, but no one event has been a ‘revealing’ event.’ I am thankful God has given me the wisdom to recognize him and his grace in my life, as ‘normal and everyday,’ as it is.”
Chris Pries: “Singing God’s praise with my fellow pilgrims and being with Jesus in the silence of adoration have been my high points,” said Pries of St. John Vianney. “Each speaker has reminded us Jesus is here with us! Share him with the world!”
Mary Albracht: “My experience here at the Eucharistic Conference reminds me of St. Teresa of Kolkata’s eloquent voice, gently reminding us that Jesus has made himself the breath of life to give us life. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to adoration,” said Albracht of St. John Vianney. “Listening to the testimonials of so many who have been healed by the hand of Jesus has brought a new realization that God lives within each one of us if we’re willing to take the first step.”
Father Hai Dinh: “From this National Eucharistic Congress, my love for the sacrament of the Eucharist is strengthened. I also met many priests and I made some of them friends. We planned to keep in touch,” said Father Dinh, parochial administrator of All Saints Parish in Keokuk.
More from the Catholic Messenger
