More than 500 people from the Diocese of Gary are among thousands attending the National Eucharistic Congress, a five-day splashy event in Indianapolis that begins with an opening ceremony Wednesday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Organizers expect as many as 50,000 people from across the country to attend.
The local group includes eight seminarians, eight deacons, 15 priests, five nuns, parish staff members, and a large number of laity representing all ages, according to Diocese of Gary communications director Colleen McGinty-Rabine.
“This is an extraordinary time for us,” said Diocese of Gary Bishop Robert J. McClory, who will lead the local delegation, many who attended a “commissioning” Mass celebrated Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chesterton.
Catholics haven’t held a National Eucharistic Congress in the U.S. since 1941 when it was in Minnesota, before World War II.
McClory said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops took stock of their flocks after the COVID-19 pandemic and organized an initiative to inspire and renew their faith.
In 2019, a Pew Research poll suggested just one-third of adult Catholics don’t believe in the church’s teaching of the sacrament and the “real presence” of Christ in communion or the Eucharist. Catholic teachings say the bread and wine during communion are converted into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
A later study disputed the Pew findings, but leaders still wanted to underscore the significance of the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of the faith, according to a 2023 story in the Catholic News Agency.
“COVID built up a hunger to share our faith, and life together. We want to be with each other in person and do it all in honor of our Lord,” said McClory.
“It’s a privilege to hold it so close,” said McClory. He said Indianapolis was selected because of its central location, the city’s experience in hosting major conventions, and the interconnection of hotels and the convention site. He said about 75% of the U.S. population can drive there in less than 24 hours. “The final factor is Hoosier hospitality. We’re delighted it’s so close.”
From Rome, Pope Francis offered a special blessing to the attendees in a letter earlier this month.
More than 100,000 people took part in four pilgrimage routes originating in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Texas over the past two months. The groups walked miles together and celebrated communion, or the Eucharist, together along the way.
Carrying the Eucharist, the groups from four corners of the U.S. will participate in Wednesday’s opening ceremony.
Attendees can witness exhibits, including a replica of the Shroud of Turin, Eucharistic Miracles and other relics. The event also highlights speakers, music, and religious testimonies in worship services.
On Saturday, there will be a procession of the Eucharist throughout downtown Indianapolis.
For more information, see eucharisticcongress.org.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
