{{short description|2024 Catholic event in Indiana, US}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox event | title = Tenth National Eucharistic Congress | image = File:NEC 2024 Main Stage.jpg | caption = The main stage of the congress at Lucas Oil Stadium | image_alt = | logo = File:2024 National Eucharistic Congress logo.png | logo_alt = Line art of a stained glass window containing a chalice and host, with the words "National Eucharistic Congress" | duration = 5 days | date = {{start and end dates|2024|07|17|2024|07|21}} | venue = Lucas Oil Stadium <br> Indiana Convention Center | location = Indianapolis | coordinates = {{Coord|39|45|36.2|N|86|9|49.7|W|region:US-IN_type:landmark_scale:2000|display=inline,title}} | type = Eucharistic congress | budget = $14 million<ref name="pillarFinances">{{cite news |title=Eucharistic Congress scales back numbers, confident on finances |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/eucharistic-congress-scales-back |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=April 19, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726090959/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/eucharistic-congress-scales-back |url-status=live }}</ref> | theme = ''Revival Happens Here'' | patron = | organizers = Bishop Andrew Cozzens {{small|(chairman)}}<br>Archbishop Charles Thompson {{small|(host)}}<br>Tim Glemkowski {{small|(CEO)}} <ref name="auto">{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/national-eucharistic-congress-magnificat |title=National Eucharistic Congress Magnificat |date=July 2024}}</ref> | participants = 55,000 (expected)<ref>{{cite news |title='It's been a long, really rewarding journey' {{!}} Thousands of Catholics descend on Indianapolis for National Eucharistic Congress |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/thousands-journey-to-indianapolis-for-national-eucharistic-congress-catholic-church/531-bceebfe0-16ed-4ebd-ab42-341473a7a09a |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=wthr.com |date=July 16, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718095735/https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/thousands-journey-to-indianapolis-for-national-eucharistic-congress-catholic-church/531-bceebfe0-16ed-4ebd-ab42-341473a7a09a |url-status=live }}</ref> | website = {{URL|eucharisticcongress.org}} {{URL|eucharisticpilgrimage.org}} | blank_label = Papal delegate | blank_data = Luis Cardinal Tagle | notes = }}
The '''Tenth National Eucharistic Congress''' was held from July 17 to 21, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, to foster devotion to the sacrament of the Eucharist. It was organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). While there had been nine previous national Eucharistic congresses in the United States between 1895 and 1941, the outbreak of World War II halted further congresses and after the war the committee in charge of holding them fell dormant. In 2019 and 2020, spurred by a survey that reported low levels of belief in the dogma of the Real Presence among U.S. Catholics, as well as President Joe Biden's reception of communion as a Catholic despite publicly disagreeing with certain Catholic tenets, the Bishops initiated a "Eucharistic Revival" movement which culminated in four nationwide Eucharistic processions and the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis – the first national congress in 83 years, bringing together an estimated 50,000 Catholics for talks, programs, and liturgies.
== Background == === Prior Congress history === From 1895 to 1941, there were nine national eucharistic congresses held in the United States. The last national congress to occur prior to the 2024 congress was the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1941. While there had been national congresses about every five years prior to the ninth congress, the outbreak of World War II halted the gatherings.<ref name="usccbCDW">{{cite web |title=Newsletter: Committee on Divine Worship |url=https://www.usccb.org/resources/newsletter-2022-05.pdf |publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishop |access-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509041451/https://www.usccb.org/resources/newsletter-2022-05.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Bishop Joseph Schrembs, promoter of national Eucharistic congresses, died shortly after the close of the war. Archbishop Richard Cushing succeeded Schrembs in the role and established a committee for national Eucharistic congresses in 1946, but despite the establishment of that committee, no national congresses were held.<ref name="usccbCDW" /> The 28th International Eucharistic Congress was held in Chicago in 1926, and the 41st International Eucharistic Congress took place in Philadelphia in 1976.<ref name="usccbCDW" />
=== Real Presence controversy === In 2019, a controversial Pew Research Center study stated that belief among U.S. Catholics in the dogma of the Real Presence (Transubstantiation) was as low as 33%, alarming many of the nation's bishops.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Gregory A. |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/08/05/transubstantiation-eucharist-u-s-catholics/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en-US |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721164010/https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/08/05/transubstantiation-eucharist-u-s-catholics/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bishop Robert Barron, then an auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, raised the issue at a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) doctrine committee. An advisory committee was later formed to brainstorm a response.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Eucharistic Revival: USCCB Official Discusses Efforts to Deepen Devotion to the Real Presence |url=https://www.ncregister.com/interview/eucharistic-revival-usccb-official-discusses-efforts-to-deepen-devotion-to-the-real-presence |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=NCR |language=en}}</ref>
=== Eucharistic coherence debate === [[File:P20220529AS-1242 (52245764850).jpg|thumb|left|President Joe Biden attending Mass in 2022]] Upon the election of President Joe Biden in 2020, members of the USCCB began to discuss the appropriateness of Biden receiving Communion. The Catholic Church teaches that those in mortal sin are not to approach the sacrament prior to sacramental confession,<ref>{{cite web |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |url=https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/358/ |website=www.usccb.org |access-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref> and the Code of Canon Law canon 915 states that those in a state of "manifest grave sin" are not to be admitted to Communion.<ref>{{cite web |title=CanonLaw.Ninja - Canon 915 |url=https://canonlaw.ninja/?nums=915 |website=CanonLaw.Ninja |access-date=July 18, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Joe Biden's public support for abortion was interpreted by many to put him in a state of grave sin and thus made him ineligible for reception of Communion.<ref name="cwrCoherence">{{cite news |last1=Kilby |first1=David |title=The Eucharistic coherence debate: An overview and timeline |url=https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/06/01/the-eucharistic-coherence-debate-an-overview-and-timeline/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=Catholic World Report}}</ref>
In April 2021, it was reported that US bishops were considering asking Biden to stop receiving Communion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crary |first1=David |title=US Catholic bishops may press Biden to stop taking Communion |url=https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-government-and-politics-religion-22e0d1ba299fe8693013036e3cc85c81 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=AP News |date=April 28, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618094425/https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-government-and-politics-religion-22e0d1ba299fe8693013036e3cc85c81 |url-status=live }}</ref> Archbishop José Gómez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, informed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that the bishops were planning on submitting a draft of a document "to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils".<ref name="cdf">{{cite news |title=CDF head calls for 'extensive and serene' debate on Communion by US bishops |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/cdf-head-calls-for-extensive-and |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=May 10, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172753/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/cdf-head-calls-for-extensive-and |url-status=live }}</ref> A May 7 response from Luis Ladaria Ferrer, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, urged bishops to take an "extensive and serene" look at the topic.<ref name="cdf" /> A group of bishops led by Cardinals Blase J. Cupich and Wilton Daniel Gregory pushed for the tabling of the conversation altogether.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bishops press Gomez to halt Communion debate |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/bishops-press-gomez-to-halt-communion |work=The Pillar |date=May 25, 2021 |language=en |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172753/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/bishops-press-gomez-to-halt-communion |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result of this pushback, by the second half of 2021 the focus had shifted from the denial of communion to Joe Biden to an overall call to "enter more deeply by faith and love into this great Mystery of Mysteries".<ref>{{cite news |title=USCCB Eucharist draft document focuses on real presence, not Communion denial |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/usccb-eucharist-draft-document-focuses |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=November 2, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172754/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/usccb-eucharist-draft-document-focuses |url-status=live }}</ref> The bishops released a heavily modified Eucharistic teaching document in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church |url=https://www.usccb.org/resources/mystery-eucharist-life-church |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=www.usccb.org |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722135048/https://www.usccb.org/resources/mystery-eucharist-life-church |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Eucharistic Revival === With the overall movement of the bishops leaning towards increasing devotion to the Eucharist among the Catholic faithful, the USCCB officially launched the National Eucharistic Revival on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2022.<ref name="nerCNA">{{cite news |last1=Pinedo |first1=Peter |title=Updated: Here's what you need to know about the National Eucharistic Revival |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251579/national-eucharistic-revival-heres-what-you-need-to-know |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=Catholic News Agency |agency=Catholic News Agency |language=en |archive-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717210746/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251579/national-eucharistic-revival-heres-what-you-need-to-know |url-status=live }}</ref> The three-year program, led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, was launched to "inspire, educate, and unite the faithful in a more intimate relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist", culminating in the Congress in Indianapolis in 2024.<ref name="nerCNA" />
The first year of the program focused on diocesan-level initiatives, and the second year focused on parish-level initiatives, with four national Eucharistic processions and the congress to take place at the end of the second year.<ref name="nerCNA" /> The third year, following the congress, was devoted to the Church "going out on mission".<ref name="nerCNA" />
== National Eucharistic Pilgrimage == [[File:Source and Summit Procession.jpg|thumb|A photo of the "Source and Summit" Eucharistic Procession in Saint Paul, Minnesota]] As part of the lead-up to the congress, there were four Eucharistic pilgrimages from the four cardinal directions of the United States that made their way to Indianapolis in time for the congress. The Marian Route started at the Mississippi Headwaters in Bemidji, Minnesota, and travelled through Saint Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago;<ref>{{cite web |title=Marian Route – From the North |url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/marian-route |website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org |access-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref> the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route started at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and travelled through New York City, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati, accompanied by its full-time chaplain Fr. Roger J. Landry, the only chaplain to walk the entirety of one of the routes;<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Route – From the East |url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-elizabeth-ann-seton-route |website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718100902/https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-elizabeth-ann-seton-route |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=“Nothing will be impossible for God!”|url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/post/nothing-will-be-impossible-for-god|website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org|access-date=2026-01-31|date=3 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pope Francis Names Father Roger Landry a Monsignor|url=https://www.ncregister.com/interview/father-roger-landry-is-now-a-monsignor|website=NCR|date=2024-12-17|access-date=2026-01-31|language=en}}</ref> the St. Juan Diego Route started in Brownsville, Texas, and travelled through Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Louisville;<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Juan Diego Route – From the South |url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-juan-diego-route |website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718062646/https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-juan-diego-route |url-status=live }}</ref> the St. Junipero Serra Route started in San Francisco and travelled through Reno, Denver, Des Moines, and St. Louis.<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Junipero Serra Route – From the West |url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-junipero-serra-route |website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718174200/https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/st-junipero-serra-route |url-status=live }}</ref>
Pre-selected "perpetual pilgrims" traveled the entire distance with the Eucharist, stopping along the way for public Eucharistic processions in cities and acts of service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Perpetual Pilgrims |url=https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/perpetual-pilgrims |website=www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718150452/https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/perpetual-pilgrims |url-status=live }}</ref> Notable processions along the way included a 7,000-person procession in Saint Paul and a 4,000-person procession in San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spencer |first1=Susanna |title=He Is Our Source and Summit: An Afternoon Eucharistic Pilgrimage in St. Paul With 7,000 Friends |url=https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/st-paul-eucharistic-pilgrimage |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=National Catholic Register |date=May 28, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730002705/https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/st-paul-eucharistic-pilgrimage |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Flynn |first1=JD |title=On pilgrimage: 'God has better plans than we do' |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/on-pilgrimage-god-has-better-plans |work=The Pillar |date=May 22, 2024 |language=en |access-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172753/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/on-pilgrimage-god-has-better-plans |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Congress == === Preparation and reactions === There were initial criticisms of the proposed $28 million budget for the congress, including the ticket cost per participant, not including lodging, of $300.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fraga |first1=Brian |title=US bishops defend planned $28 million eucharistic congress amid criticism {{!}} National Catholic Reporter |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/us-bishops-defend-planned-28-million-eucharistic-congress-amid-criticism |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=www.ncronline.org |language=en}}</ref> Some families were discouraged by the high price tag.<ref>{{cite news |title=The cost of communion - Is the Eucharistic Congress too expensive? |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/the-cost-of-communion-is-the-eucharistic-congress-too-expensive |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=February 23, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716133217/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/the-cost-of-communion-is-the-eucharistic-congress-too-expensive |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, single-day passes and scholarships were announced, and the budget was halved and brought down to $14 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bukuras |first1=Joe |title=National Eucharistic Congress Releases Schedule, Offers Scholarships and Weekend Passes |url=https://www.ncregister.com/cna/national-eucharistic-congress-releases-schedule-offers-scholarships-and-weekend-passes |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=National Catholic Register |date=November 17, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715145719/https://www.ncregister.com/cna/national-eucharistic-congress-releases-schedule-offers-scholarships-and-weekend-passes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=pillarFinances />
In the time leading up to the congress, Pope Francis praised the efforts of the organizers and called it "a significant moment in the life of the Church in the United States".<ref>{{cite web |title=To the Organizing Committee of the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States of America (19 June 2023) {{!}} Francis |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/june/documents/20230619-comitato-congeuc-usa.html |website=www.vatican.va |access-date=July 19, 2024}}</ref> He appointed Luis Cardinal Tagle as the papal envoy to the congress.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pope Francis |title=Letter from Pope Francis Appointing Cardinal Tagle as Special Envoy to the Congress |url=https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/letter-from-pope-francis-appointing-cardinal-tagle-as-special-envoy-to-the-congress |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=www.eucharisticrevival.org |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715213338/https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/letter-from-pope-francis-appointing-cardinal-tagle-as-special-envoy-to-the-congress |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, which took place the week prior to the congress, organizers stated that they had numerous protocols in place and were not worried about security threats at the event.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eucharistic Congress: 'We're ready' for Indianapolis security |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/eucharistic-congress-were-ready-for |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=July 14, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Eucharistic Adoration at the Tenth National Eucharistic Congress.jpg|thumb|left|Eucharistic adoration in Lucas Oil Stadium on the opening night of the congress]]
=== July 17 === The congress opened with adoration and benediction led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens in Lucas Oil Stadium.<ref name="pillarDay1">{{cite news |title='I am the living bread' — The Eucharistic Congress, Day 1 |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/i-am-the-living-bread-the-eucharistic |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=July 18, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Prior to the opening event, the check-in line at times stretched for three-quarters of a mile.<ref name="pillarDay1" /> Christophe Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, addressed the audience afterwards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Phelps |first1=Brett |title=Watch as the National Eucharistic Congress convenes for the first time in 83 years |url=https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2024/07/18/watch-as-the-national-eucharistic-congress-packs-lucasoil-stadium/74452665007/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718172807/https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2024/07/18/watch-as-the-national-eucharistic-congress-packs-lucasoil-stadium/74452665007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Eucharistic adoration 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Eucharistic adoration at St. John the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis]]A perpetual adoration chapel for the event was located at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, across the street from the convention center, from 9am on July 17 until 9am on the July 21.<ref name="congressProgram" />
=== July 18 === The second day included youth, Spanish, and Extraordinary Form Masses as well as a Byzantine Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bohdan Danylo.<ref name="congressProgram">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/10th-national-eucharistic-congress-program-booklet |title=10th National Eucharistic Congress Program |date=July 17, 2024 |publisher=National Eucharistic Congress |pages=9–10, 74–75}}</ref> At the main opening Mass, Timothy Cardinal Dolan preached on the need for the sacrifice of the Mass to be central to the lives of Christians.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Matt |title=New York's Cardinal Dolan at Eucharistic Congress: Catholics Must Recover Centrality of Mass |url=https://communications.catholic.edu/new-yorks-cardinal-dolan-at-eucharistic-congress-catholics-must-recover-centrality-of-mass.html |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=The Catholic University of America |date=July 18, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> There were dozens of breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon, including a message given by Monsignor James Shea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Live |url=https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/live |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=www.eucharisticcongress.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-22 |title=Msgr. James Shea Unveils How to Stand Firm Against the Diabolical 'New Religion' of Our Culture |url=https://www.churchpop.com/msgr-james-shea-unveils-how-to-stand-firm-against-the-diabolical-new-religion-of-our-culture/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ChurchPOP |language=en}}</ref> A performance of ''Bernadette de Lourdes, the Musical'' was given in the evening.<ref name="schedule">{{cite web |title=Official Schedule for the National Eucharistic Congress |url=https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/schedule |website=www.eucharisticcongress.org |access-date=July 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718152338/https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/schedule|url-status=live|archive-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref> Luis Cardinal Tagle, papal envoy to the congress, celebrated a special Mass for Filipino Catholics at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sean |title=Cardinal Tagle celebrates Filipino Mass at cathedral during Congress |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2024/07-26/tagle.html |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=The Criterion |date=July 26, 2024}}</ref>
The evening keynote speakers were Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart. Schmitz's keynote entitled "The Greatest Love Story," delivered to 50,000 people, emphasized the need for repentance in order to have revival.<ref name="day2keynoteCNA">{{cite news |last1=Caldwell |first1=Zelda |title=Father Mike Schmitz preaches repentance at Eucharistic Congress |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258346/father-mike-schmitz-preaches-repentance-at-national-eucharistic-congress |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=Catholic News Agency |date=July 19, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720013153/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258346/father-mike-schmitz-preaches-repentance-at-national-eucharistic-congress |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to talk about how the Eucharist is more important than merely the Real Presence, but culminates in the sacrificial nature of the Mass.<ref name="day2keynoteCNA" /> Mother Olga's keynote talked about the healing power of the Eucharist.<ref name="day2keynoteCNA" /> After testimonies by Lila Rose and the parents of Michelle Duppong, the evening ended with adoration led by Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts.<ref name="day2keynoteCNA" />
=== July 19 === Masses in English, Vietnamese, Latin, and Spanish were celebrated; Bishop Robert Mark Pipta, Eparch of Parma, celebrated a Byzantine Hierarchical Vigil Divine Liturgy in the afternoon at St. Athanasius Byzantine Church.<ref name="schedule" /><ref name="congressProgram" />
Morning session speakers included Tony Meléndez, Mary Healy, Patrick Madrid, and bishops Gustavo García-Siller, Joseph A. Espaillat, and Andrew Cozzens.<ref name="schedule" /> Afternoon breakout session topics included Priestly Eucharistic Identity by Bishop Robert Barron, gender dysphoria, and women.<ref name="congressProgram" />
Evening keynotes were given by Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN and Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB of St. Vincent Archabbey.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Congress holds special revival night of Eucharistic adoration for healing hearts - OSV News|url=https://www.osvnews.com/congress-holds-special-revival-night-of-eucharistic-adoration-for-healing-hearts/|date=2024-07-20|access-date=2026-01-31|language=en-US|first=|last=OSV News}}</ref> Fr. Boniface's presentation concerned healing from brokenness, and Sr. Josephine Garrett spoke about the important of repentance in the process of healing.<ref name="NCR19">{{cite news |last1=McKeown |first1=Jonah |title=An Invitation to Find Healing in Jesus: Day 3 of the Eucharistic Congress |url=https://www.ncregister.com/cna/an-invitation-to-find-healing-in-jesus-day-3-of-the-eucharistic-congress |access-date=July 20, 2024 |work=National Catholic Register |date=July 20, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720200217/https://www.ncregister.com/cna/an-invitation-to-find-healing-in-jesus-day-3-of-the-eucharistic-congress |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the keynotes, Costa Rican former professional tennis player Paula Umaña spoke of the healing she attributes to prayers and the Blessed Virgin Mary.<ref name=NCR19 />
On both July 18 and 19, there were opportunities from noon to 6:30 pm to pack a goal of 360,000 meals for those in need.<ref name="schedule" /><ref name="pillard34" /> [[File:NEC 2024 Adoration at Indianapolis World War Memorial Building.jpg|thumb|upright|Adoration of the Eucharist at the Indiana World War Memorial]]
=== July 20 === On July 20, the main liturgy held at Lucas Oil Stadium was a Syro-Malabar Holy Qurbana celebrated by Bishop Joy Alappatt and Archbishop Borys Gudziak.<ref name="schedule" /> In the late afternoon, a Eucharistic procession travelled through downtown Indianapolis from the Lucas Oil Stadium to the Indiana World War Memorial, with the final benediction offered by Bishop Andrew Cozzens.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Noe |title=Road closures in downtown Indianapolis in preparation of Saturday's Eucharistic procession |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2024/07/19/downtown-indy-road-closure-in-preparation-of-eucharistic-procession/74423564007/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=July 19, 2024}}</ref><ref name="procLive">{{cite AV media |people= |date=July 20, 2024 |title=Eucharistic Procession in Indianapolis, National Eucharistic Congress - July 20, 2024 |type=News livestream |language=en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXi4MYRO3vU |access-date=July 20, 2024 |format= |time=3:03:25 |location=Indianapolis |publisher=EWTN}}</ref> Around 900 priests, 500 deacons, 550 seminarians, and 900 religious sisters walked in the procession, with around 40,000<ref name="pillard34">{{cite news |title='Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament' — The Eucharist Congress, Days 3 and 4 |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/blessed-be-jesus-in-the-most-holy |access-date=July 21, 2024 |work=The Pillar |date=July 21, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721010520/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/blessed-be-jesus-in-the-most-holy |url-status=live }}</ref> to 50,000<ref>{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Noe |title=Eucharistic procession invoked 'a moment of unity' for thousands of Catholics |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2024/07/21/eucharistic-procession-embodied-a-moment-of-unity-amongst-catholics/74426764007/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721231656/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2024/07/21/eucharistic-procession-embodied-a-moment-of-unity-amongst-catholics/74426764007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> laity lining the streets.<ref> {{Cite tweet |author=EWTN News |user=EWTNnews |number=1814781047424295226 |title=History was made! Check out this amazing timelapse of the Eucharistic Procession in Indianapolis at the National Eucharistic Congress #eucharisticcongress #eucharisticrevival}}</ref>
Keynote speakers for the evening were Bishop Robert Barron, Gloria Purvis, Tim Glemkowski, and Jonathan Roumie.<ref name="osvFinal">{{cite news |title=Final revival night energizes thousands at Eucharistic congress to be 'alive again' in Christ |url=https://www.osvnews.com/2024/07/21/final-revival-night-energizes-thousands-at-eucharistic-congress-to-be-alive-again-in-christ/ |access-date=July 21, 2024 |work=www.osvnews.com |date=July 21, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721173137/https://www.osvnews.com/2024/07/21/final-revival-night-energizes-thousands-at-eucharistic-congress-to-be-alive-again-in-christ/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The evening closed with adoration with worship music led by Matt Maher.<ref name="osvFinal" />
=== July 21 ===
[[File:Closing Mass 1.jpg|thumb|left|Closing Mass of the congress at Lucas Oil Stadium]] Cardinal Luis Tagle, the papal delegate for the congress, celebrated the closing Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium.<ref name="cnaEnds">{{cite news |last1=Mares |first1=Courtney |title=National Eucharistic Congress ends with prayer for 'new Pentecost' |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258364/national-eucharistic-congress-ends-with-prayer-for-new-pentecost-for-us-church |access-date=July 21, 2024 |work=Catholic News Agency |date=July 21, 2024 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723042322/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258364/national-eucharistic-congress-ends-with-prayer-for-new-pentecost-for-us-church |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> He preached on the need for missionary zeal, and expressed the wishes of the Holy Father that the congress would bear much fruit in the Church and society the United States.<ref name="cnaEnds" /> With over 1,600 seminarians, priests, bishops, and cardinals, the opening procession for the Mass lasted 25 minutes.<ref name="cnaEnds" /> Approximately 50,000 people were in attendance.<ref>{{cite news |title='To love and serve the Lord' - The Eucharistic Congress concludes |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/to-love-and-serve-the-lord-the-eucharistic |work=The Pillar |date=July 21, 2024 |access-date=July 21, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721223434/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/to-love-and-serve-the-lord-the-eucharistic |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Post-Congress == Bishop Andrew Cozzens announced at the end of the 2024 Congress that there were preliminary plans for the next congress to be held in 2033, 2,000 years after Jesus' crucifixion, although the option for an earlier date was left open. In February 2025, at a meeting of Catholic business executives associated with Legatus, a 2029 Congress was announced by Jason Shanks, the president of the NEC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2025 |title=Next National Eucharistic Congress to be in 2029 |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/next-national-eucharistic-congress |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=The Pillar |language=en}}</ref>
Plans were also announced for a eucharistic pilgrimage to begin in Indianapolis in the spring of 2025, with its conclusion in Los Angeles on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on June 22, 2025.<ref name="cnaEnds" />
[[File:SSPPC Monstrance Case.jpg|thumb|upright|Display case housing the monstrance used at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis]] A few larger items from the National Eucharistic Congress remained in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis after the conclusion of the congress. The monstrance used for the eucharistic procession on July 20 is located at Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoefer |first1=Natalie |title=National Eucharistic Congress monstrance on permanent display in cathedral, available for loan |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2024/12-20/monstrance.html |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=The Criterion |volume=LXV |issue=12 |date=December 20, 2024}}</ref> The organ used for the Congress liturgies in Lucas Oil Stadium is now located at St. Mary Catholic Church in North Vernon, Indiana.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindberg |first1=Jennifer |title='It is God's will': Small-town parish receives big-time gift of music |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2025/06-27/music.html |access-date=7 July 2025 |work=The Criterion |volume=LXV |issue=35 |date=27 June 2025}}</ref>
Two sculptures created by Timothy Paul Schmalz for the congress also remain in Indianapolis. The large crucifix statue titled ''This is My Body'' is located on the campus of Marian University.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jette |first1=Mikala S. |title=This Is My Body |url=https://www.marian.edu/newsroom/2024/10/16-this-is-my-body.php |publisher=Marian University |date=October 16, 2024|access-date=February 4, 2025}}</ref> Another sculpture titled ''Be Welcoming'' is located outside St. John the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoefer |first1=Natalie |title=Sculptures at congress 'crystallize a moment,' touching hearts and souls |url=https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2024/07-26/sculpture.html |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=The Criterion |volume=LXIV |issue=38 |date=July 26, 2024}}</ref> The National Eucharistic Congress was one of the largest gatherings held in Indianapolis to date, with hotel occupancy during the congress at the highest rate in the city's history.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guffey |first1=Alysa |title='A really special year': Q&A with top city planner as Indy looks ahead after record 2024 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2024/12/24/qa-with-top-city-planner-as-indianapolis-ends-a-record-breaking-2024/77021508007/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=December 24, 2024}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{commons category}}
{{Eucharistic Congresses in the United States}} {{Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis}}
Category:Catholicism in the United States Category:Eucharist in the Catholic Church Category:21st-century Catholicism Category:2024 in Indianapolis Category:2024 in Christianity Category:National Eucharistic congresses in the United States Category:United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Category:Archdiocese of Indianapolis Category:July 2024 in the United States