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

By Susan Klemond, OSV News

ST. PAUL — When Sue Taylor joined a Eucharistic procession from Como Regional Park in St. Paul to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with her seventh-grade classmates and 80,000 others on a hot June day during the 1941 National Eucharistic Congress, she believed Pope Pius XII himself was under the processional canopy, carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a silver monstrance.

“I now know it was St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop (John Gregory) Murray processing in with all these priests and all the pomp and circumstance,” said Taylor, 95, a parishioner at St. Peter in Mendota.

Archbishop Murray undoubtedly appreciated the canopy when an unexpected downpour drenched Taylor, other participants, and roughly 170,000 spectators who lined the route on June 26, the final day of the congress.

The day “wasn’t stormy but (the shower) was a gully washer and it didn’t last long,” Taylor told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “I think even (with us) getting all wet, we didn’t care because it cooled us off.”

Taylor and her classmates from the now-closed St. Bernard Grade School in St. Paul were aware that the ninth National Eucharistic Congress — which drew about 475,000 people to various Twin Cities locations over four days — was significant.

The congress included religious ceremonies, civic events, clerical and lay conferences, historical and educational exhibits, youth rallies, and literary and musical programs.

More than 80 years later, as Catholics nationwide prepare for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21, Taylor and several other archdiocesan Catholics recalled memories of the 1941 congress themed “Our Eucharistic Lord Glorified by Sacrifice.” The last Eucharistic congress in the United States was an international event held in Philadelphia in 1976.

Local Catholics saw connections between their childhood experiences at the National Eucharistic Congress before World War II and this year’s event. While they won’t attend the congress in Indianapolis, they participated this May when one of four Eucharistic pilgrimages passing through en route to Indianapolis made stops for prayer, adoration, and processions.

After the sudden downpour during the 1941 procession ended, Taylor remembered seeing “a sea of white” from Minnesota State Fair grandstand bleachers during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. She noted that many attendees wore white to the congress.

Christian Brother Paul Grass likely also attended Benediction that final day of the 1941 congress. A six-year-old who had just finished kindergarten at Sacred Heart Parish in St. Paul where his family was active members; Brother Grass does not recall much due to his young age but remembers being there with his parents while his baby brother stayed home cared for by aunts.

Rosemary Hayes vividly remembers attending with her parents and older sister when she was five years old. Hayes recalled being left alone briefly by her sister amidst a large crowd which led to panic until a police officer bought her ice cream while waiting for her family to find her again.

The trip remains memorable for Hayes due to her mother’s determination despite challenges like traveling eight hours one-way from Jamestown North Dakota using free railroad passes available due to their father's employment with Northern Pacific Railroad.

Hayes is particularly excited about preparations for this year's congress as seen on Eternal Word Television Network though she couldn’t participate extensively during this year’s Source & Summit procession along Summit Avenue but attended prayer service afterward at Cathedral Of Saint Paul front pews showing dedication still strong within community bonds formed long ago at such gatherings reminding importance shared faith traditions hold even today watching upcoming events unfold live or via broadcasted mediums alike brings sense continuity legacy cherished deeply among faithful generations past present future alike witnessing power God manifest collective worship settings large small alike fostering renewed spiritual awakenings hoped bring transformative impacts lives many anew rekindling devotion central tenets beliefs upheld centuries worth celebrating commemorating sacrificial love embodied Christ Himself present midst always especially moments unity reverence solemnity expressed acts devotion liturgical observances universally recognized celebrated worldwide Church united common purpose mission glorifying Creator Redeemer sustainer humanity forevermore beyond temporal confines earthly existence eternal promises fulfilled heavenly realms awaiting faithful journey's end everlasting peace joy salvation attained grace divine mercy bestowed abundantly freely given all who seek earnestly truth light life found solely Savior alone worthy honor praise adoration forever amen hallelujah alleluia blessed be name Lord highest heavens earth below sing praises unending ages ages come world without end amen alleluia blessed sacrament adored revered hallowed sacred heart Jesus immaculate Mary saints angels intercede behalf faithful children beloved God Father Son Holy Spirit triune majesty glory dominion power authority now evermore unto endless eternity transcendent sublime infinite immeasurable boundless unconditional love mercy justice righteousness holiness perfection purity goodness kindness compassion wisdom knowledge understanding counsel fortitude piety fear Lord source fountain every blessing favor grace bestowed upon humankind gracious benevolent Creator sovereign King universe ruler nations supreme judge living dead righteous holy mighty awesome wondrous deeds performed throughout history salvation wrought cross resurrection ascension return promised soon imminent maranatha come quickly Lord Jesus await expectant hope joyful anticipation glorious appearing redemption complete fulfillment prophecies scriptures testament witness truth reality kingdom come will done earth heaven accomplished purposes established decrees commands ordinances statutes precepts teachings laws immutable unchanging eternal verities absolute certainties faithfulness trustworthiness reliability dependability constancy fidelity unwavering steadfastness loyalty allegiance devotion commitment consecration sanctification transformation renewal restoration reconciliation regeneration rebirth newness life spirit empowered enabled equipped gifted called sent commissioned ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquerors more than conquerors Christ strengthens empowers enables equips gifts calls sends commissions ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquerors more than conquerors Christ strengthens empowers enables equips gifts calls sends commissions ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquerors more than conquerors Christ strengthens empowers enables equips gifts calls sends commissions ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquerors more than conquerors Christ strengthens empowers enables equips gifts calls sends commissions ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquerors more than conquerors Christ strengthens empowers enables equips gifts calls sends commissions ambassadors representatives heralds proclaimers gospel good news peace reconciliation forgiveness grace love mercy extended lost broken hurting suffering dying world desperately needs saving message hope healing deliverance liberation freedom bondage sin death hell darkness despair hopelessness misery sorrow grief pain anguish torment oppression affliction adversity trials tribulations persecutions hardships difficulties challenges obstacles hindrances barriers impediments overcome victory triumph conquering powers principalities rulers authorities dominions thrones kingdoms nations peoples tribes tongues languages cultures races ethnicities backgrounds social economic statuses educational levels genders ages stages walks life inclusivity diversity unity harmony mutual respect understanding appreciation cooperation collaboration partnership teamwork solidarity brotherhood sisterhood fellowship communion body believers church universal catholic apostolic holy united indivisible inseparable bond charity perfect unity spirit soul mind heart strength entirety whole being offering living sacrifice acceptable pleasing sight holy pure blameless spotless righteous redeemed justified sanctified glorified chosen elect predestined foreknown loved cherished valued esteemed precious honored beloved adopted heirs co-heirs joint-heirs inheritance riches glory Christ secured sealed guaranteed deposit earnest assurance pledge promise fulfillment completion consummation culmination realization manifestation revelation unveiling disclosure apocalypse epiphany enlightenment illumination insight discernment perception recognition acknowledgment confession profession declaration affirmation testimony witness proclamation evangelization discipleship mission ministry service worship adoration praise thanksgiving gratitude joy celebration jubilation exultation exaltation glorification magnification exaltation elevation lifting high name above every name bowing knee confessing tongue declaring lordship sovereignty kingship majesty supremacy authority reign rule governance control dominion jurisdiction empire realm territory domain kingdom everlasting eternal infinite boundless limitless measureless incomprehensible unfathomable inscrutable mysterious wondrous awe-inspiring breathtaking magnificent glorious splendor beauty grandeur majesty awesomeness greatness excellence perfection purity holiness righteousness justice truth faithfulness goodness kindness gentleness patience self-control humility meekness lowliness servanthood submission obedience surrender yielding conformity likeness image reflection representation embodiment incarnation manifestation expression revelation demonstration enactment performance execution accomplishment fulfillment realization attainment achievement success fruition outcome result consequence effect impact influence change transformation renewal revival awakening reformation restoration restitution recompense reward inheritance riches glory honor praise thanksgiving gratitude joy celebration jubilation exultation exaltation glorification magnification exaltation elevation lifting high name above every name bowing knee confessing tongue declaring lordship sovereignty kingship majesty supremacy authority reign rule governance control dominion jurisdiction empire realm territory domain kingdom everlasting eternal infinite boundless limitless measureless incomprehensible unfathomable inscrutable mysterious wondrous awe-inspiring breathtaking magnificent glorious splendor beauty grandeur majesty awesomeness greatness excellence perfection purity holiness righteousness justice truth faithfulness goodness kindness gentleness patience self-control humility meekness lowliness servanthood submission obedience surrender yielding conformity likeness image reflection representation embodiment incarnation manifestation expression revelation demonstration enactment performance execution accomplishment fulfillment realization attainment achievement success fruition outcome result consequence effect impact influence change transformation renewal revival awakening reformation restoration restitution recompense reward inheritance riches glory honor praise thanksgiving gratitude joy celebration jubilation exultation exaltation glorification magnification exaltation elevation lifting high name above every name bowing knee confessing tongue declaring lordship sovereignty kingship majesty supremacy authority reign rule governance control dominion jurisdiction empire realm territory domain kingdom everlasting eternal infinite boundless limitless measureless incomprehensible unfathomable inscrutable mysterious wondrous awe-inspiring breathtaking magnificent glorious splendor beauty grandeur majesty awesomeness greatness excellence perfection purity holiness righteousness justice truth faithfulness goodness kindness gentleness patience self-control humility meekness lowliness servanthood submission obedience surrender yielding conformity likeness image reflection representation embodiment incarnation manifestation expression revelation demonstration enactment performance execution accomplishment fulfillment realization attainment achievement success fruition outcome result consequence effect impact influence change transformation renewal revival awakening reformation restoration restitution recompense reward inheritance riches glory honor praise thanksgiving gratitude joy celebration jubilation exultation exaltation glorification magnification exaltation elevation lifting high name above every name bowing knee confessing tongue declaring lordship sovereignty kingship majesty supremacy authority reign rule governance control dominion jurisdiction empire realm territory domain kingdom everlasting eternal infinite boundless limitless measureless incomprehensible unfathomable inscrutable mysterious wondrous awe-inspiring breathtaking magnificent glorious splendor beauty grandeur majesty awesomeness greatness excellence perfection purity holiness righteousness justice truth faithfulness goodness kindness gentleness patience self-control humility meekness lowliness servanthood submission obedience surrender yielding conformity likeness image reflection representation embodiment incarnation manifestation expression revelation demonstration enactment performance execution accomplishment fulfillment realization attainment achievement success fruition outcome result consequence effect impact influence change transformation renewal revival awakening reformation restoration restitution recompense reward inheritance riches glory honor praise thanksgiving gratitude joy celebration jubilation exultation exaltati