Faithful from the Diocese of Portland attend 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, reflect on power and love of the experience
More than 60,000 Catholics gathered in Indianapolis last week for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. Joining the tens of thousands of faithful were Mainers from the Diocese of Portland who returned with compelling and dynamic memories they are excited to bring back home.
“It was like a little Rome, seeing all these cardinals, and bishops, and priests, and religious, and sisters and nuns walking around,” Penny Wolfe, pastoral life coordinator at St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Camden, said. “It gave me concrete ways to think and pray more about the Eucharist and why I go and receive every day and why I am there every week. It’s making sure that it just doesn’t become a routine where I don’t have an authentic encounter.”
The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress is the first National Eucharistic Congress held in 83 years. It took place at Lucas Oil Stadium from July 17-21 with laypeople, clergy and religious. Each day of the Congress was packed with opportunities for personal transformation and life-giving Catholic community. The Diocese of Portland delegation included Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley, Moderator of the Curia Monsignor Marc Caron, Chancellor Sister Rita-Mae Bissonnette and Office of Lifelong Faith Formation Coordinator of Youth Ministry Shawn Gregory, among others.
Keynote speakers included the Nuncio Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Sr. Bethany Madonna. Speakers shared a vision for the National Eucharistic Congress and highlighted the importance of this moment and sharing the message with the universe.
“Your Christianity is not for you. Christianity is not a self-help program, something designed just to make us feel better about ourselves. Your Christianity is for the world,” Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester (Minnesota) and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries said during the congress.
Jennifer Nelson, IT Director for the Diocese of Portland, who attended the congress, said the testimonials and passionate speeches were the most moving parts of the experience.
“It was the struggles that folks have gone through that felt insurmountable for the person at the time, but then, they just gave it all to God and obtained what seemed like impossible things, the miracles that have happened or even just their conversion of heart,” she said.
The five-day event included in-person sessions, exhibits, expo hall, and evening assemblies. Tracy Guerrette lives in Aroostook County and is involved in the FIERCE ministry for women’s sports. FIERCE had a booth at the expo.
“I feel renewed. My devotion to the Eucharist has increased, and my love of the Lord and the Eucharist has increased as well,” she said.
Catholics from all over the country were invited to attend and all events were livestreamed online and through EWTN and Relevant Radio. The Congress is a moment for the entire Church in the United States to be united in prayer.
“Brothers and sisters, we believe that God desires to renew his Church and that this renewal will happen through you. And that in renewing his Church, he will renew the world.” Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston (Minnesota), said.
Plans are underway for the next National Eucharistic Congress set to take place in 2033. Another Eucharistic Pilgrimage is set for spring of 2025 where pilgrims will walk from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.
