10th Eucharistic Congress Celebrates Faith in Indianapolis

 

Throughout the Congress, renowned Catholic speakers led sessions exploring various aspects of faith and the Eucharist. These sessions provided pilgrims with opportunities for introspection and communal learning, fostering a sense of unity among attendees.

On Friday, July 19 a special Mass was held for pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and the Diocese of Salt Lake City. The Diocese of Reno was also invited, although there was no official delegation there. In 2023, Las Vegas was elevated to the status of an Archdiocese, which resulted in both the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and the Diocese of Salt Lake City becoming part of the newly formed Ecclesiastical Province of Las Vegas, along with the Diocese of Reno. An Ecclesiastical Province consists of a Metropolitan Archdiocese (Las Vegas) and Suffragan Dioceses (Reno and Salt Lake City). Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City, concelebrated the Mass with Archbishop Thomas and Bishop Gordon. 

 

On Saturday, July 20 a grand Eucharistic procession through the streets of Indianapolis was held, with thousands of laity, religious, clergy, and prelates walking with the Eucharist. The Procession took place between the Indian Convention Center and Veterans Memorial Plaza and concluded with a Solemn Benediction led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota. The route was approximately one mile long.

 

The highlight of the Congress was the closing Mass, attended by more than 60,000 participants and presided over by His Eminence, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-prefect for the Dicastery of Evangelization a Vatican official. This solemn occasion underscored the global significance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith, uniting believers from diverse backgrounds in shared devotion.

 

Connie Clough, Director of Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Las Vegas reflected on the Congress saying, “I am grateful for the experience of accompanying our local pilgrims to the National Eucharistic Congress. Their enthusiasm for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and in one another was evident.” Clough continued saying, “It was also good to connect with others from across our country, both long-time friends and new ones.  I am excited to see the fruit of this effort to be a people missioned to bring Christ to the world!”


 

Reflecting on the impact of the Eucharistic Congress, Rhorie Abalos, a pilgrim from Las Vegas, shared, "My heart is bursting with the LOVE of JESUS! I am so blessed to share and give that love to the people of Las Vegas. I praise and thank God that I was one of the 60,000 pilgrims given the opportunity to witness the power of God…to feel His almighty outpouring of love.”

 

As the pilgrims departed from Indianapolis, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, faith, and devotion. Officials with the Eucharistic Congress announced the next Congress may be held in 2033.

  ###