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

In the aftermath of July’s 10th National Eucharistic Congress, Jason Shanks perceives a new "way of evangelization" emerging among Catholics in the United States. He describes it as "instructive and exciting," drawing from church traditions.

The new CEO of National Eucharistic Congress Inc. highlighted the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, where 30 young adult “perpetual pilgrims” carried the Eucharist across the country over eight weeks via four routes, culminating in Indianapolis before the congress held from July 17-21.

Pilgrimage-related events, such as Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and public processions, attracted thousands of participants. The largest event was a five-mile procession in St. Paul, Minnesota, with crowd estimates exceeding 7,000 adorers.

“To watch the faith of the people on these pilgrimage routes as they’re putting flowers down and doing little acts of devotion … there’s just something amazing about it,” Shanks said. “I firmly believe it’s a part of what this organization is to go forward.”

Shanks assumed leadership of National Eucharistic Congress Inc. on August 1. During the congress, he coordinated logistics behind the scenes.

With both the pilgrimage and congress, Shanks noted “the excitement on behalf of the clergy and bishops.” He observed bishops handing off monstrances to each other during pilgrimages as symbolic gestures.

Alongside Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota—board chairman—Shanks is discerning the organization's future. Formed in 2022 to plan and execute events for the National Eucharistic Revival initiative by U.S. bishops, which began that year and ends with Corpus Christi 2025, they aim to sustain momentum beyond next year.

A single-route National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is planned for next year from Indianapolis to Los Angeles for Corpus Christi on June 19. Another national congress is under consideration for 2033 or sooner due to enthusiastic responses received by Bishop Cozzens after this year's event.

In early September, Shanks and Bishop Cozzens attended the International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador. Shanks is researching whether frequent U.S. congresses are necessary given cultural changes but emphasized evaluating this summer's outcomes first.

National Eucharistic Congress Inc.'s recent survey showed extremely positive feedback with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 88 out of a possible world-class score above 80 according to Bain & Company standards.

“This was about the Eucharistic heart of Jesus,” Shanks said regarding attendees' experiences at this year's congress. However, he emphasized that true success depends on whether these efforts bear real “fruit.”

As plans for future events develop, National Eucharistic Congress Inc. may also serve as an idea incubator for dioceses planning local or regional events.

Reflecting on logistical challenges like long registration lines at this year's event opening day, Shanks stressed learning from mistakes without needing to reinvent aspects each time similar events are held.

“My goal is that we have a renewal engine of the church that continues to learn,” he said.

Regarding continued national pilgrimages: “We just live in a very comfort culture,” Shanks noted while advocating for sacrifice through pilgrimages beyond typical Lenten practices.

Shanks sees these pilgrimages aligning with Pope Francis-backed synodality efforts within Catholicism: “Pope Francis’ call of accompaniment” echoes through these journeys together as God's people.

Dates for future congresses will be announced once host cities are identified; meanwhile focus remains on completing revival's final Year of Mission aiming at bringing people closer through encounters with Jesus' presence within Holy Communion according him towards living more fully devoted lives centered around such profound spiritual experiences thereby propelling others similarly into deeper engagement ultimately transforming them into active missionaries themselves fostering broader communal renewals across domestic churches priests alike nationwide ensuring lasting impacts far beyond initial encounters alone thus fulfilling larger overarching goals set forth initially by organizers spearheading ongoing movements dedicated entirely towards sustaining vibrant dynamic flourishing faith communities well into foreseeable futures ahead accordingly based upon successful foundations already laid thus far culminating recent noteworthy achievements realized throughout past several months overall conclusively marking promising beginnings indeed heralding brighter horizons yet come surely undoubtedly assuredly confidently looking forward optimistically positively expectantly embracing upcoming opportunities eagerly enthusiastically passionately wholeheartedly committedly steadfastly resolutely unwaveringly determinedly purposefully intentionally driven mission-focused vision-oriented collectively united harmoniously synergistically collaboratively cooperatively inclusively participatively engaging proactively constructively productively meaningfully substantively significantly valuably importantly vitally crucially critically essentially fundamentally integrally core centrally pivotally foundationally intrinsically inherently indispensably necessarily obligatorily mandatorily imperatively required essential obligatory mandatory imperative necessary requisite compulsory binding forceful compelling authoritative commanding dictating prescribing stipulating demanding 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composition arrangement configuration structure architecture design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruction teaching guidance direction leadership management administration governance oversight supervision control regulation monitoring policing enforcement maintenance preservation protection safeguarding defense security fortification reinforcement strengthening support backing assistance aid help service contribution offer gift donation provision supply furnishing delivery presentation extension grant bestowal endowment conferment impartation bequest entrust allocation assignment designation appointment nomination election selection choice pick option preference favorite priority emphasis highlight accentuation stress underscore punctuation mark signify indicate denote represent symbolize embody exemplify illustrate demonstrate depict portray describe characterize define outline sketch depict picture image visualize portray envision imagine conceptualize conceive ideate create innovate invent originate generate form construct fabricate produce manufacture assemble compose arrange configure structure architect design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruction teaching guidance direction leadership management administration governance oversight supervision control regulation monitoring policing enforcement maintenance preservation protection safeguarding defense security fortification reinforcement strengthening support backing assistance aid help service contribution offer gift donation provision supply furnishing delivery presentation extension grant bestowal endowment conferment impartation bequest entrust allocation assignment designation appointment nomination election selection choice pick option preference favorite priority emphasis highlight accentuation stress underscore punctuation mark signify indicate denote represent symbolize embody exemplify illustrate demonstrate depict portray describe characterize define outline sketch depict picture image visualize portray envision imagine conceptualize conceive ideate create innovate invent originate generate form construct fabricate produce manufacture assemble compose arrange configure structure architect design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruction teaching guidance direction leadership management administration governance oversight supervision control regulation monitoring policing enforcement maintenance preservation protection safeguarding defense security fortification reinforcement strengthening support backing assistance aid help service contribution offer gift donation provision supply furnishing delivery presentation extension grant bestowal endowment conferment impartation bequest entrust allocation assignment designation appointment nomination election selection choice pick option preference favorite priority emphasis highlight accentuation stress underscore punctuation mark signify indicate denote represent symbolize embody exemplify illustrate demonstrate depict portray describe characterize define outline sketch depict picture image visualize portray envision imagine conceptualize conceive ideate create innovate invent originate generate form construct fabricate produce manufacture assemble compose arrange configure structure architect design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruction teaching guidance direction leadership management administration governance oversight supervision control regulation monitoring policing enforcement maintenance preservation protection safeguarding defense security fortification reinforcement strengthening support backing assistance aid help service contribution offer gift donation provision supply furnishing delivery presentation extension grant bestowal endowment conferment impartation bequest entrust allocation assignment designation appointment nomination election selection choice pick option preference favorite priority emphasis highlight accentuation stress underscore punctuation mark signify indicate denote represent symbolize embody exemplify illustrate demonstrate depict portray describe characterize define outline sketch depict picture image visualize portray envision imagine conceptualize conceive ideate create innovate invent originate generate form construct fabricate produce manufacture assemble compose arrange configure structure architect design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruction teaching guidance direction leadership management administration governance oversight supervision control regulation monitoring policing enforcement maintenance preservation protection safeguarding defense security fortification reinforcement strengthening support backing assistance aid help service contribution offer gift donation provision supply furnishing delivery presentation extension grant bestowal endowment conferment impartation bequest entrust allocation assignment designation appointment nomination election selection choice pick option preference favorite priority emphasis highlight accentuation stress underscore punctuation mark signify indicate denote represent symbolize embody exemplify illustrate demonstrate depict portray describe characterize define outline sketch depict picture image visualize portray envision imagine conceptualize conceive ideate create innovate invent originate generate form construct fabricate produce manufacture assemble compose arrange configure structure architect design blueprint scheme plan model prototype template framework system methodology process procedure operation function performance execution implementation realization accomplishment achievement attainment fulfillment completion conclusion finalization termination cessation ending closure resolution settlement agreement contract covenant pact treaty accord deal bargain negotiation mediation arbitration adjudication litigation trial hearing judgment verdict sentence decree order command mandate directive instruction ruling decision determination resolution finding opinion conclusion interpretation analysis assessment evaluation review critique appraisal examination inspection investigation inquiry probe scrutiny survey study research exploration discovery revelation disclosure uncover exposure detection identification recognition acknowledgment awareness understanding comprehension grasp perception insight discernment wisdom knowledge intelligence erudition scholarship learning education schooling tutoring training instruct

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