The first US National Eucharistic Congress in more than eight decades was, by all accounts, a massive success. The sold out crowds, the Eucharistic procession through the streets of Indianapolis and the dramatic visuals (and complete silence) for adoration, the powerful lineup of speakers and musicians, the final Mass celebrated by Pope Francis' delegate and so many priests and bishops that it took 25 minutes for them to process in -- all of it was a logistical and spiritual accomplishment.
As a key inspiration behind it all, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, gave the final words on Sunday, thanking people ... and asking the question that was on everyone's mind: When is the next one?
"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 Cozzens told the crowd.
Certainly it shouldn't take another eight decades to do this again, he said. The bishop proposed that the next National Eucharistic Congress could coincide with the 2,000th anniversary of our Redemption, that is, nine years from now, in 2033. (Traditionally Jesus is held to have died in the year 33.)
But Bishop Cozzens acknowledged that nine years might be too far in the future, and promised that the bishops and others would "keep discerning" to see if an earlier event might be arranged.
[If you missed coverage of the Congress, start here for an overview.]
Pilgrimage for next year
In the meantime, the bishop assured that certain activities linked to the Congress and the broader Eucharistic Revival would continue, including a version of the four Eucharistic Pilgrimages that traced a geographical cross over the United States during two months.
One Pilgrimage is already scheduled: for next year, from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.
"Archbishop Gomez [the archbishop of Los Angeles] will welcome everyone for Corpus Christi 2025," the bishop said.
You can start now
Perhaps more importantly, or at least more immediately, the bishop urged everyone to participate in the Eucharistic Revival on a personal level, starting already now.
To this end, he spoke of a particular mission: the "Walk With One" idea.
What would happen if each of you thought of one person you know who is currently away from the faith, and you decided to pray for them, to befriend them, and then to invite them to take one step closer to Jesus and his Church. What would happen if 70 million Catholics did that. My question for you: Will you do it?
Sign up, commit yourself.
Commit yourself to becoming a Eucharistic missionary, who lives deeply a Eucharistic life, and having received that gift, allows themself to be given as a gift. Go and tell others about the gift you have received.
See all our coverage at the "Eucharistic Revival" tag, here.
