Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bishop James D. Conley, several priests, religious members, and over 200 laypeople from various parishes in the Diocese of Lincoln attended the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21.

Most pilgrims traveled overnight on three buses, stopping for morning Mass at a rest area before arriving in time for the opening session at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday evening.

“I knew it was going to be an opportunity to rejuvenate my faith,” said Katie Kudron of Blessed Sacrament in Lincoln. “I just couldn’t turn down that opportunity.”

The stadium, typically home to the Indianapolis Colts, featured a stage with a digital backdrop and video screens. The field was covered with floor tiles holding thousands of chairs and a dais lined with altar candles.

The Congress began with the welcome of the "Perpetual Pilgrims" of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston carried the Eucharist into the stadium amid clouds of incense and candle-bearers.

In a press conference, Bishop Cozzens emphasized setting the tone for the Congress through adoration.

“It’s inspiring to see they put a lot of effort into making it beautiful,” said Mary Dixon of St. Michael Parish in Hastings.

Each morning began with a rosary followed by liturgy offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Latin. Masses were also celebrated for youth and included Eastern Rite liturgies.

Themed impact sessions were held at the stadium each morning while breakout sessions took place at the Indianapolis Conference Center in the afternoon. Sessions addressed various topics such as education, healthcare, theology, and living faithfully with gender dysphoria.

Katie Kudron attended “Trustworthy Stewards: The Intersection of Faith and Business,” presented by General Kevin P. Chilton.

“That was a big one for me because I am not in any Church ministry; I’m out in the business world,” she said.

Confessions were available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., while relics and exhibits drew long lines at times. An exhibition hall offered various religious items and services.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church hosted perpetual adoration throughout the event.

Evening sessions featured songs of praise and speakers, concluding each night with a holy hour.

On Saturday, Lincoln pilgrims attended Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral celebrated by Bishop Conley who expressed gratitude for their attendance and encouraged them to invite others back to church.

“You were called here for a reason,” he said during his homily.

A massive Eucharistic procession through downtown Indianapolis concluded at the Indiana World War Memorial where attendees engaged in silent adoration once more.

At Sunday’s final Mass celebrated by Papal Delegate Luis Cardinal Tagle, participants were urged to evangelize upon returning home.

“The gift of His presence and love for us will be our gift to people,” Cardinal Tagle said. “A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people.”