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

At the closing Mass of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last month, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, commissioned as Pope Francis’ envoy, and chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress board Bishop Andrew Cozzens (Crookston, Minn.) ushered in the third phase of the Eucharistic Revival: sharing with others.

In his homily, Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization, delivered the Holy Father’s message that he wanted the Congress to lead to more people experiencing a “conversion to the Eucharist.”

“The Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a gift and the fulfillment of His mission,” said Cardinal Tagle. “Let us go to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world.” Bishop Cozzens said the United States Council of Catholic Bishops was actively discerning another National Eucharistic Congress, hopefully scheduled in 2033, and another national Eucharistic Pilgrimage for 2025. However, there is no need to wait.

“We’ve invited you to walk with one person,” he said to the estimated 55,000 in attendance. “What would happen if each of you thought of one person you know who’s currently away from the faith; and you decided to pray for them, befriend them, and then invite them to take one step closer to Jesus and his Church?”

“This, the third year, is the year of mission,” Bishop James Conley explained. “This is really the ‘sending out.’”

Priests, religious members, seminarians and laypeople from various dioceses have been pondering how to fulfill this exhortation.

“I’m still processing” was a common final thought from many pilgrims as they returned home. Before he journeyed back after attending Congress events, Bishop John Folda – originally a priest from Lincoln – suggested an inner renewal among attendees would be an appropriate beginning.

“If nothing else, there is a renewal of prayer that has happened at this event,” he reflected. “Praying in presence of our Eucharistic Lord has its own grace... But from that quietness we go out.”

“One point that really stuck out to me; this is only just beginning,” said Derrek Sumner from Saint Gregory Seminary in Seward. “I want to be fed by it continuously.”

Father Mark Seiker observed how close attendees felt to Jesus during Congress events.

“We need more of that in our parishes,” he noted.

Reflecting on saints like Maximillian Kolbe and Thérèse de Lisieux who drew people through their love for Christ, Father Seiker added: “We can do that... That’s how change happens.”

Laura Becarra from Cristo Rey Parish had already been inspired two days into Congress events to restart a local program called Niñas y Niños de la Eucaristía (Girls and Boys of The Eucharist).

Mary Dixon from St. Michael Parish contemplated ways she could share her artistic skills post-Congress.

“I deal in beauty... helping people see beauty around us,” she stated.

Mother Margaret Mary mentioned plans by School Sisters Christ King congregation for instilling Eucharistic love among students they serve starting fall season.

“Sharing experience with students will foster greater love towards Jesus... awe & reverence towards priesthood mystery,” she commented.

Bishop Conley emphasized increased hours devoted towards Eucharistic adoration across schools/parishes as key strategies enhancing devotion levels within communities:

“I’d like expanding adoration hours within parishes giving honor/glory unto God whilst creating silent spaces amidst noisy environments," He expressed further advocating perpetual adoration practices wherever feasible among congregations ensuring uninterrupted prayer cycles throughout week thereby fostering deeper connections spiritually both existing/newcomers alike:

“We should constantly remain amazed by eucharist reminding ourselves about sacrifices endured alongside continued presence maintained thereafter symbolized via sacred observances."