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

On the second night of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis on July 18, approximately 50,000 Catholics gathered for prayer, personal testimonies, and reflection on overcoming obstacles to deepen their love for Jesus Christ. The event featured keynote addresses by Father Mike Schmitz and Mother Mary Olga of the Sacred Heart.

Father Schmitz, director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, and host of popular podcasts “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year,” delivered an anticipated speech. Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, introduced him to an enthusiastic audience. Father Schmitz emphasized that while knowledge is important, "only love can make a saint." He recounted the biblical story from Luke 24 about travelers on the road to Emmaus who did not recognize Jesus until he explained Scripture to them. He stressed that indifference is a significant issue among believers and that repentance is necessary to foster love.

Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart shared her experiences as a survivor of four wars in the Middle East and her healing through faith. She narrated stories of Eucharistic miracles and highlighted how suffering led her closer to Jesus. One poignant story involved a boy named Quinn who received his first holy Communion during cancer treatment with positive effects attributed to divine intervention.

Pro-life activist Lila Rose also shared her transformation after encountering Jesus in the Eucharist. Founder and president of Live Action, Rose described how her Catholic faith inspired her activism. Ken and Mary Ann Duppong spoke about raising their six children with faith at the center of their lives, sharing how their daughter Michelle Christine Duppong’s devotion influenced many before she passed away from cancer.

Daniel Cabrera from Camby, Indiana attended with his family and described the experience as profound. "It’s totally a privilege to be here," he said, reflecting on the deep spiritual connection felt during Eucharistic adoration.

Lauretta Brown, Maria-Pia Negro Chin, and Maria Wiering contributed to this report.