Tens of thousands of pilgrims will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana (United States) for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress from July 17 to 21. Unfortunately, millions more will not be able to participate in person.
In addition to the possibility of live broadcast and television through EWTN and participating digitally in the congress, a deeper invitation has also been given on how to participate in this monumental national event of our faith.
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The National Eucharistic Congress is convened to unite the cause and fan the flame of Eucharistic faith and devotion. As believers, we can actively participate in the National Eucharistic Congress by seeking ways in which we can join in the mission and purpose of the congress.
We can be spiritual participants in the congress by sharing the intention of the congress. By seeking ways in which we can manifest our faith and devotion in the True Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, we can spiritually unite ourselves and our parishes with the congress and serve as witnesses and ambassadors of the congress to those around us.
Among many possibilities, here are four suggestions. These ideas can be done every day or every week of our lives. They are not limited to any five-day period. However, by engaging with them during the five days of the National Eucharistic Congress, we can allow ourselves to observe our own “Eucharistic Congress of the Heart” as well as participate spiritually in the national event in Indiana.
1. Go to Mass every day
From the rich spiritual treasure of the Church, we can grow in our faith and Eucharistic devotion by going to Mass every day (or as often as possible). There is nothing higher or more beneficial in the order of grace than an active participation in the Mass and a worthy reception of Holy Communion.
From July 17 to 21, we can ask our parish priest if the intentions of the Mass could mention the National Eucharistic Congress. If that is not possible, then we can add a personal prayer for the congress in our thanksgiving after Communion.
If the Mass is not possible due to work or other duties, then we can pray the Act of Spiritual Communion and/or various Eucharistic prayers that remind us of the presence of the Lord and that serve to draw us closer to Him.
2. Dedicate time to Eucharistic adoration
Along with Mass, we can spend some time in adoration. Adoration can bear great spiritual fruits, especially when the Blessed Sacrament is solemnly exposed in a monstrance.
But even if the Solemn Exposition is not possible, then prayer in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle remains a very noble, praiseworthy and grace-filled experience. Perhaps we can ask our parishes for an extra time of adoration or a special Holy Hour during the National Eucharistic Congress. If something is not possible in our parishes, then we can commit to a time of adoration during those days, praying for a deeper love and devotion to the Eucharistic Presence of the Lord.
3. Read Eucharistic Scripture Passages
In addition to the Mass and adoration, we can read the Eucharistic passages of the Bible, especially the famous Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-71) in which the Lord Jesus gives us his clearest teachings on the Eucharist, as well like the Wedding at Cana.
4. Pray the luminous mysteries of the Rosary
We can also pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, focusing especially on the mystery of the Eucharistic Institution of Our Lord.
5. Perform a work of mercy in the name of Jesus
Accompanying the Mass, adoration, the Bible and the Rosary, we can seek a particular work of mercy to do in the name of the Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its numeral 1397it remind us: “The Eucharist entails a commitment in favor of the poor: To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brothers.”
Maybe we can organize some activity in our parishes. Perhaps that service could be done after some time in worship. If that is not possible, then we can serve those in need around us and unite our service to Our Lord.
These are some of the many options that can help us join pilgrims in person at the National Eucharistic Congress, as well as pilgrims who make the Eucharistic journey in spirit.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in National Catholic Register.
P. Jeffrey Kirby
Father Jeffrey Kirby is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina, and the host of the daily devotional podcast Morning Offering With Father Kirby.