Francis Encourages Faithful at U.S. Eucharistic Congress Committee Meeting

During a meeting with members of the U.S. bishops' committee for the National Eucharistic Congress, Pope Francis expressed his appreciation for their endeavors, stating that the congress represents a significant moment in the life of the Church in the United States. The pope also blessed a large monstrance, which will serve as a vessel for Our Lord during the National Eucharistic Congress.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/20/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, Eucharist, revival, meeting, encouragement

Commending the committee's work in reviving faith and love for the holy Eucharist, Pope Francis referred to it as the "source and summit of the Christian life." He emphasized that the Eucharist is God's response to the profound hunger within the human heart, providing authentic nourishment, consolation, and sustenance throughout life's journey.

The meeting took place at the Vatican, where members of the organizing committee for the U.S. bishops' National Eucharistic Congress engaged with Pope Francis. This congress is part of the bishops' three-year eucharistic revival campaign aimed at deepening devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, responding to a 2019 Pew survey that highlighted a decline in belief among Catholics regarding the true and substantial presence of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Scheduled for July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis, the National Eucharistic Congress is anticipated to attract 80,000 faithful from across the country. This event is seen as a defining moment for the current generation, as efforts are made to address misconceptions surrounding the Eucharist.

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of eucharistic adoration within the Church, noting that the sense of adoration in silence has been lost in modern times. He called upon bishops to catechize the faithful on the practice of adoration, underscoring that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the real and loving presence of the Lord.

In celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist, Pope Francis stated that it allows individuals to encounter the One who sacrificed himself to give humanity life, highlighting the need for Catholics to rediscover wonder and awe in the Lord's gift and to spend time in personal prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Devotion to the Eucharist, he emphasized, should inspire the faithful to become missionary disciples, sharing the love they receive in the sacrament with others.

The pope urged a particular focus on the elderly, whom he referred to as the wisdom of the people, and the sick, who embody the suffering Jesus. He also emphasized the importance of fostering vocations to the priesthood, quoting St. John Paul II's words that there can be no Eucharist without the priesthood.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis assured the committee of his prayers and entrusted them to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States. He requested the committee to pray for him as well.

After the pope's address, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, described the meeting as an emotional experience. He sensed the pope's passion for the eucharistic revival and expressed anticipation for the upcoming congress, which he believes will be a great moment for the United States, igniting the hearts of the faithful with love for God.

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In a press release from the U.S. bishops, Tim Glemkowski, Executive Director of the National Eucharistic Congress, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis and receive his blessing. He emphasized the spiritual significance of gathering together in the pope's presence, seeking his blessing for the event, the monstrance, and the preparations aimed at enabling thousands to encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.