It took a little time before pilgrims to the Congress could identify the chief ingredient that made five days in Indianapolis in July such an awesome event and, may I say, this is one of the few times that much over-used word “awesome” substantially fits the fact. Actually, it is too small. “Monumental” is more exact. Noted author, speaker, and theologian Dr. Scott Hahn, who normally has no trouble describing things, declared the National Eucharistic Congress “indescribable.” There was, he claimed, a “supernatural surrealistic” quality about it. He was amazed how “anointed” the Congress was. Amen to all of those descriptions. All about the One Why was it so different? Only One was the main Attraction. Not the Pope; not Bl. Carlo Acutis; not Bishop Robert Barron or another equally celebrated Catholic speaker. Not even the Blessed Mother. Only her Son, which is the way she likes it. They were all there; but as happily supporting players to the King. It was Him upon Whom the entire five days were focused. He who created the holy excitement. Our God, our humble Lord and Savior, the Creator of the Universe, came out of hiding, strode out of the tabernacle, mightily manifesting Himself. How blessed were the 50-60,000 pilgrims to witness Him in all His Eucharistic magnificence, encased in a brilliant, large gold monstrance, the only One visible in the center of a darkened Lucas Oil Stadium with spotlights forming radiant streams of light flowing over Him and the altar where He rested. On stone-cold floors, thousands descended to their knees and bowed before their King; even tiny children. Interspersed with the silent worship were hymns sung with reverent but lustily enthusiastic lungs. Reflections on the Eucharistic Congress By Peggy Stanton “I ’ve been to a lot of these big events,” said one National Eucharistic Congress pilgrim, “and they have been great, but this one feels different. Something is happening here.” Thousands processed the streets of downtown Indianapolis with our Lord (IG/eucharistic_revival) . Eucharistic Congress 10 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org It’s HIM!
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