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

Hundreds of priests, around 100 bishops, and several cardinals concelebrated the morning Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 18. This liturgy marked the beginning of the first full day of the National Eucharistic Congress, which had officially opened the previous evening with a revival centered around a Holy Hour.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, the principal celebrant, emphasized in his homily that recovering the centrality of Sunday Mass is crucial for this grand Eucharistic congress. He quoted Pope Francis: “No Eucharist, no church.”

Following the liturgy, seven "impact sessions" took place over three mornings during the congress. Speakers encouraged attendees to delve deeper into understanding the Eucharist as "the greatest love story." Sister Mary Grace Langrell stated, “In the Eucharist, we find the greatest measure of our worth.” Sister Marie Veritas added that living a sacramental life brings stillness amid chaos.

A Spanish-language impact session focused on Jesus as the summit of encounter and source of love. Bishop Daniel E. Flores urged accessibility to vulnerable individuals and renewed participation in mission work.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo reflected on what the Eucharist meant to early church martyrs. He asked attendees to remember these martyrs when saying “We lift up our hearts” during Mass.

The youth-focused Awaken impact session began with rock music and motivational speeches by Oscar Rivera and Paul J. Kim, urging teens to form personal relationships with Jesus.

Most registered bishops and priests attended an Abide impact session led by biblical scholar Scott Hahn, who called for renewed understanding between Scripture and the Eucharist.

Father John Burns described salvation history through ancient Jewish customs around marriage during an Empower track session focusing on evangelization tools.

Afternoon activities included breakout sessions and special events. Pete Burds from NET Ministries shared his high school experience leading to a deeper connection with Jesus through Eucharistic adoration.

Marilyn Santos from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops discussed being a Eucharistic people at a Spanish breakout session. She called for outreach towards marginalized communities and recognition of Christ in others.

Sessions also addressed ensuring access to sacraments for persons with disabilities. Esther Garcia emphasized their right to participate fully in church life.

An extended breakout session explored connections between synodality and the Eucharist, moderated by Julia McStravog from USCCB. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich described the Eucharist as foundational for becoming a synodal church.

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrated an afternoon Mass using the 1962 Roman Missal at Holy Rosary Church, offering guidance on fostering greater reverence for Mass and increased parish involvement in ministries.

Throughout Indianapolis' convention center area, diverse groups continued participating in various activities under clear skies. St. John Evangelist Church hosted adoration sessions geared towards families with young children engaging directly with Blessed Sacrament rituals.

Preparations began for nightly revival sessions featuring Father Mike Schmitz and Mother Olga of Sacred Heart addressing crowds at Lucas Oil Stadium later that evening.

---