The 10th National Eucharistic Congress, held from July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was nothing short of a spiritual revival for Catholics from all walks of life. Over 50,000 Catholics gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, united in one mission: to show up for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. The event marked a monumental display of faith, as participants came together to give homage, glory, and honor to Jesus Christ, truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—in the Eucharist.
The Congress featured a stellar lineup of guest speakers, each offering their unique perspective on the significance of the Eucharist and its centrality to Catholic life. Among the speakers were renowned figures like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Patrick Madrid, Drew Mariani, Lila Rose, and Jonathan Roumie, the actor best known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen. Each speaker captivated the audience with messages of faith, hope, and the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
The Congress wasn’t just about listening; it was about adoring. Perpetual Eucharistic adoration took place at St. John the Evangelist Church throughout the event, giving participants the opportunity to encounter Jesus face-to-face in the Blessed Sacrament. The silence and reverence of those in adoration was a profound testament to the deep faith of those who attended. This sacred time allowed for personal encounters with Christ, and many left spiritually renewed.
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a breathtaking Eucharistic procession took place in downtown Indianapolis, with 60,000 faithful participating, the largest U.S. Eucharistic procession in decades. Carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets, the procession was a moving display of devotion and unity as Catholics from all over the country walked together in reverence, following Jesus in the Eucharist.
The Congress also celebrated the unity of the Church. It didn’t matter if you were young or old, a cradle Catholic or a recent convert—everyone came together with one purpose: to show up for Jesus. Pilgrims came from all over the United States and beyond, creating a vibrant and diverse tapestry of faith. It was a beautiful reminder that the Eucharist is not just a local tradition but a global encounter with the living God.
What truly stood out at the Congress was the spirit of joy and reverence that filled every moment. People showed up for Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love. In a world that often feels disconnected, this gathering served as a powerful reminder that the Eucharist unites us to Christ and to one another.
The National Eucharistic Congress of 2024 was a historic moment for the Church in the United States, a time of grace where thousands responded to the call: to show up for Jesus.
