Just a week ago, the 10th National Eucharistic Congress was concluded with a solemn Mass at Lukas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. The five-day event gathered over fifty thousand attendees from all over the country together with 200 bishops, more than 1,200 priests and a good number of religious. Along with the preceding the congress pilgrimage the event was part of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative of the U.S. bishops launched in 2022 to increase understanding of and love for Jesus in the Eucharist. The event aimed at revitalizing the Catholic Church in the United States by reaffirming the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and encouraging Catholics to become Eucharistic missionaries in their everyday lives.

A Eucharistic congress is a gathering of clergy, religious and laity to bear witness to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The first congress took place in Lille, France in 1881. It has been over 80 years since the last time the congress was held in the U.S., namely in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The close of the most recent one launched the Year of Mission, during which the bishops are encouraging Catholics to walk with one by sharing their faith and accompanying another person to better know Jesus and his love. The organizers are planning to continue the renewal with the annual Eucharistic pilgrimages of which the next one is scheduled for 2025.

During the congress the attendees participated in liturgies, Eucharistic adorations, musical and dramatic performances, panel discussions, a procession and individual presententions on various topics related to the Eucharist. Pope Francis sent a special message to those gathered in Indianapolis expressing his hope that the event will be instrumental in rekindling appreciation and faith in this divine gift among the Catholics in the United States.

The gospel reading for this Sunday is the story of the multiplication of loaves. Jesus responding with compassion to the needs of those who were following him provides for them in the wilderness the abundance of food out of the five loaves of bread and two fish. But this miracle is something more than just a response to the physical needs of the people. It is a sign announcing the true food of the Eucharist able to satisfy the deepest desires of every person. Along the centuries the Church has been firmly defending the doctrine on the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Also in our times and in our parish there is a constant need to being reminded of the importance of this truth.

As the crowds following Jesus is the gospel also we at times get tired and discouraged as we continue our journey of life. In this summertime, let us not forget that Our Lord has left us in the Eucharist the food that is able to strengthen us as we journey towards heaven. May the fruits of the Eucharistic renewal invigorate in us the Eucharistic faith. Let us never forget or deppreciate the power of this wonderful gift.