Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Absolute silence filled Lucas Oil Stadium as tens of thousands of attendees knelt to adore Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, marking the official commencement of the National Eucharistic Congress on July 17 in Indianapolis. The event began with a holy hour, featuring more than 100 spotlights focused on a large, golden monstrance at the center of the stadium. This prayerful start preceded any speeches, music, or greetings from the evening’s three emcees.

Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, carried the monstrance into the stadium after 30 perpetual pilgrims entered, concluding their eight-week journey across various U.S. routes to Indiana's capital city. The pilgrims carried icons representing their patron saints: St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, St. Junipero Serra, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In his prayer before Jesus in the Eucharist, Bishop Cozzens reflected on how the National Eucharistic Revival has led Catholics to study, teach, and pray with the Eucharist since its launch in 2022. He highlighted their pilgrimage across diverse locations such as large churches, small churches, cities, prisons, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.

“Lord, we made a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for you,” he prayed. “For the last 65 days we brought your living presence across this land.” He thanked Jesus for miracles witnessed during their journey and expressed hope for further conversions and healings.

Bishop Cozzens emphasized that attendees gathered to give thanks and become "missionary disciples" filled with Gospel joy. He prayed for deeper personal conversion, peace in conflict zones, support for abuse victims, and unity within both church and country.

After Bishop Cozzens processed out with the Eucharist following the holy hour, emcees Father Joshua Johnson from Baton Rouge Diocese; Montse Alvarado of EWTN News; and Sister Miriam James Heidland shared their experiences with the Eucharist before introducing other speakers.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre delivered a keynote address urging reflection on what constitutes a Eucharistic revival. He noted that true revival extends beyond devotional practices to encompass daily life interactions.

“When we are truly revived by the Eucharist,” he said, “then our encounter with Christ’s real presence in the sacrament opens us to an encounter with him in all aspects of life.”

Sister Bethany Madonna spoke about Jesus' desire to reveal himself due to his love for each person. She shared testimonies highlighting God’s redeeming love even amid fear or failure.

Participants reported profound impacts from the opening night. Belen Munoz from New Jersey found it encouraging to see so many Catholics gathered together. Molly Quinn from Illinois felt reassured by witnessing others searching for Christ like herself. Michelle Jurec from Illinois described feeling personally revived after attending.

Lotty Cantrelle from Louisiana acknowledged her initial reluctance but credited her pastor for encouraging her attendance: “I know that my priest knew I needed this,” she said.

The opening session set a tone of anticipation and spiritual renewal for participants looking forward to subsequent events throughout the congress week.

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