July 14, 2024

Dear Parish Family:

The National Eucharistic Revival continues here in the United States. A big moment of this three year process is the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17 – July 21 in Indianapolis , Indiana. I am blessed to be able to attend and participate in this event. 

In the Catholic Church, a Eucharistic Congress is a gathering of clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Congresses bring together people from a wide area, and typically involve large Masses, Eucharistic adoration, presentations, discussion, and networking with other Catholics. They are held over several days, similar to a convention.  Congresses are both national and international.

The first International Eucharistic Congress was at Lille, France in June 1881. Since then, they have been 53 International Eucharistic Congresses held literally across the globe. In 2024, one will be held in Ecuador. The United States has hosted two of these International Congresses: Chicago in 1926 and Philadelphia in 1976. The hymn, You Satisfy the Hungry Heart with Gift of Finest Wheat , was written for that occasion. 

There have been nine previous National Eucharistic Congressses in the U.S. The first one at Washington, DC in 1895. Saint Louis, New York, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Omaha, Cleveland, and New Orleans have hosted national congresses since. The last one was in 1941 at Saint Paul, Minnesota.   

This 10th National Eucharistic Congress is the continuation of a legacy as we continue the work begun long ago to understand and adore the greatest gift humanity has ever received. A milestone within the National Eucharistic Revival and is hoped to be a true moment of renewal  and the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in the United States. Be assured of my prayers for you and our parish at the Congress.   Please pray for me and for safe travel.  

Grace and peace,

Father Neil Sullivan

Pastor