Summer Travels, Part 2: Indianapolis
Disneyland has used its original tagline, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” since 1955. This summer, I traveled to a place where I experienced a few days of refreshing and true happiness. However, it was not by heading to a theme park in California or Florida. Instead, on July 17, 2024, I drove just three hours to Indianapolis, Indiana, to join over 60,000 people for four full days at the 2024 Eucharistic Congress.
As I approached the convention center on Maryland Avenue, I immediately experienced the “organized chaos.” People of all ages were waiting in line for over three hours to get their official credentials and badges, affectionately referred to as “fast passes.” Meanwhile, I talked with and interacted with people from all over the world. It was striking that almost no one was whining or complaining, including families with babies and toddlers, and people with walkers or in wheelchairs. Everyone I encountered was happy to be there, flexible with big crowds and long lines, and excited about all the scheduled events and celebrations.
You might be wondering, what did these 60,000 happy people do during those four days at the Eucharistic Congress? Of course, there were many opportunities for Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. Also, there was an amazing Eucharistic Procession during which the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the streets, accompanied by hymns and prayers.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered daily. On Friday morning, when I was exiting the Youth Mass, a nun came up to me and said, “Bishop, we have more people wanting to go to confession than anticipated. Can you hear confessions for a few hours?” Without any thought to my schedule, I immediately responded, “Yes, of course, Sister!”
There were youth gatherings and family events and games, as well as cultural and musical performances. Amazingly, an entire room the size of two football fields showcased exhibits and booths of Catholic organizations, religious orders, and vendors offering religious articles, books, tee-shirts, and information about various ministries and services.
There were scores of gifted speakers providing inspirational talks, plus engaging leaders offering workshops on topics related to the Eucharist, faith, ministries, and Catholic teachings. These presentations were recorded. I invite you to view some of them to grow in your knowledge and love of the Eucharist at www.eucharisticcongress.org.
A moving highlight for me was celebrating Mass one afternoon for anyone who had traveled from the Diocese of Joliet. St. Mary’s parish, which is about 20 minutes walking distance from the convention center, graciously welcomed over 300 of us into their beautiful church. Amid such a large assembly of people, it was delightful to gather and pray with familiar faces and friends from our diocese.
The Congress provided us with an opportunity to grow in our knowledge and love of Jesus and to adore, worship, and receive the Eucharistic Lord. Yet on the closing day, there was also a challenge extended to all of us. We were urged to make sure our experience of the Congress did not become the “best-kept secret.” Instead, we were exhorted to go home, spread the good news, and put our faith into action.
At the closing Mass on Sunday, July 21, 2024, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who is the Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, called for a renewed commitment to Eucharistic and missionary conversion. He concluded his homily, saying, "When the priest or deacon says, 'The Mass is ended. Go in the peace of Christ,’ . . . please go! What you have heard, touched, and tasted, you must now share with others!” He specifically called us to be Eucharistic Missionaries.
On the penultimate day of the Congress, I took a long walk away from the convention center to get some exercise. I passed a woman standing on a street corner by a remote and deserted gas station. I asked her if everything was okay. She responded, “I am fine. My husband will pick me up in two minutes. I am just so happy with this Eucharistic Congress.” I blurted, “Me too! And that’s the word, happy! There was a true happiness here felt by over 60,000 people.” With a beaming smile, she astutely added, “Well, that’s what happens when you keep Christ and the Eucharist at the center of your life!"
Amen to that! And I pray that Christ and the Eucharist, the source and summit of true happiness, bless you with His body, blood, soul and divinity as we go out to live and spread our faith as Eucharistic Missionaries.
