I am writing this blog a few days after returning home from the 10th National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) held in Indianapolis July 17-21. By all accounts, it was a tremendous success. For me personally, it was a moving and hopeful experience. Nothing compares.
The Congress drew over 60,000 people, including nearly two-hundred bishops, hundreds of priests and seminarians, a large contingent of consecrated religious men and women, tens of thousands of the lay faithful, not to mention all those who participated online or on television. It was the Church coming together for prayer and unity in the Holy Eucharist. I was delighted to, in the vast throng of people, encounter many people I know (including my high school math teacher). Nothing compares.
The large group talks and break-out sessions included all of the best-known, big-name speakers from across the country. The Exhibition Hall was jam-packed with seemingly every Catholic apostolate, ministry, religious community, and product. Every evening concluded with Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction (most moving and holy time for me) in Lucas Oil Stadium (where the Indianapolis Colts play). Nothing compares.
The heart of the NEC was, as it should be, the celebration of the Eucharist, the Holy Mass, which is the source and summit of our faith. We had an opportunity to see liturgies in different languages and different rites of the church. I attended the Syro-Malabar Rite liturgy, known as a Qurbana, a beautiful and elaborate ritual from a church founded by the Apostle Thomas himself in India. Nothing compares.
The National Eucharistic Congress was a profound reminder of the living presence of Christ in our midst, particularly in the Eucharist. As I move forward from NEC, I am renewed in my commitment to Christ and ready to share His love with the world. Nothing compares.
