Cardinal Tagle Highlights the Eucharist

“The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a gift and the fulfillment of his mission.” These are the words of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization.

Calls for a New Pentecost at the National Eucharistic Congress

The National Eucharistic Congress concluded Sunday with a Mass attended by tens of thousands in an NFL football stadium, where the crowd prayed for “a new Pentecost” in the U.S. Church.

In her speech, Mother Adela Galindo, Foundress of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, said, “The Church must be faithful to the Gospel, not watering down the message of the Gospel. We were born for these times. It is a time to go out in haste to a world that urgently needs to hear God’s love and God’s truth. Here is what we need to proclaim, that no darkness is greater than the light of the Eucharist. That no sin is greater than the merciful love of the Eucharist.”

This was the first National Eucharistic Congress in over half a century and a pivotal event in the U.S. bishops’ three-year National Eucharistic Revival, leading into the final year of the revival — the Year of Missionary Sending.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presided over the closing Mass in Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on July 21 as Pope Francis’ special envoy for the event. He shared that the Pope told him that he desires the congress to lead to “conversion to the Eucharist.”

“We have received the gift of Jesus, let us go to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world,” Cardinal Tagle said.

Pope Francis praised the 10th National Eucharistic Revival in the United States, saying in a letter that he wished to extend a special blessing to all those attending the National Eucharistic Congress.

“The Holy Father prays, as we all do,” the Cardinal continued, “that the congress may bear fruit, much fruit, for the renewal of the Church and of society in the United States of America.”

Also in attendance at the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis was the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who explained to the faithful that his presence was a sign of Pope Francis’ “spiritual closeness.”

“We can be united as a Church through our Holy Father! At the same time, what brings us together at this Congress – the Holy Eucharist – is also an immense gift for Unity!” Cardinal Pierre noted.

The nearly 60,000 Eucharistic Congress attendees were sent out with “a great commissioning” on Sunday morning in which keynote speakers urged participants to proclaim the Gospel in every corner of the country.

Mother Adela said, “We need a new Pentecost, brothers and sisters, and it is not my opinion, that was Pope Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict, and everybody up to Pope Francis. We need a new Pentecost; we need to be filled with boldness! We need to be filled with intrepidness! We need to be filled with love, with generosity! To be able to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Kingdom!”

More than 1,600 priests, seminarians, bishops, and cardinals processed into Mass in the Indianapolis Colts’ stadium in a dramatic opening procession lasting 25 minutes. An additional 1,236 religious sisters and brothers were praying in the stands, according to the event organizers.

Many people commented on the incredible energy, positivity, and hope among the congress participants who traveled from all 50 states to take part in the five-day event. Fr. Mike Schmitz was one of the speakers.

Fr. Mike Schmitz is the Newman Center Chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He said, “You've been restored by Jesus. He is offering his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. You've been redeemed by Jesus offering his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. He has won for all of us this access to the Father. He's given us this love and that's the reality. Again, knowledge can make one great, but only love can make you a saint.”

Looking Forward to the 2033 National Eucharistic Congress

At the end of the closing Mass, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Ordinary of Crookston, Minnesota, announced to roaring applause that the U.S. bishops are planning to hold another National Eucharistic Congress in 2033, the Year of Redemption marking 2,000 years since Jesus’ crucifixion.

“It has been my experience and I hope yours that we’ve lived an experience of heaven. Of course, the Eucharist is a foretaste of heaven,” Bishop Cozzens added.

Adapted by Jacob Stein