A group of more than 70 from across the Diocese of Venice joined Bishop Frank J. Dewane in taking part in a pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 17-21, 2024.
They were among the estimated 60,000 participants in the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, an epic conclusion to a three-year National Eucharistic Revival promoted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Upon arrival in Indianapolis, the pilgrims saw signs in English and Spanish which proclaimed at the airport, “In Indy as in Heaven,” and “Some Baggage Should be Left Behind;” “These Roads Lead to Revival,” on an crossover bridge leading into the stadium; and a huge sign of “Revival Starts Here,” draped on the front of the stadium. Inside the stadium, the pilgrims were also reminded that “Revival Can’t Stay Here.” This was the message of the closing session which encouraged everyone to carry the Good News of the Lord back to their homes, their Parishes, their Dioceses, and into the world.
Bishop Dewane hosted dinner with the pilgrims during a reception at the Conrad Hotel on July 18. There he offered his prayers that each would gain from the experience and to take the message learned to heart. Throughout the Congress, Bishop Dewane tried to attend as many sessions and see as many of the Diocesan pilgrims as possible.
Among the Diocesan pilgrims were three priests, Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice; Father Jiobani Batista, Pastor of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota; and Father Joseph Gates of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Parrish. Four Permanent Deacons and their wives also participated. Additionally, youth from St. John XXIII and Our Lady of Light Parishes in Fort Myers were able to take part. The Diocesan pilgrimage was coordinated by the Diocesan Evangelization Office and led by Director Jim Gontis, who was accompanied by his wife.
Pilgrim Tom Bohart, of St. Agnes Parish in Naples, said of his Eucharistic Congress experience of entering Lucas Oil Stadium with 60,000 Catholics: “I felt the arms of Jesus wrap around me. I knew by the end of the evening this was going to be the experience of a lifetime. I was not disappointed. I now better understand the gift of the Eucharist and how it gives me the strength of Jesus to share my faith.”
Also awed by the numbers and the entire experience was Lori Crawford, Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Light Parish in Fort Myers, who attended with her family.
“The numbers are astounding,” Crawford said. “Lay families and singles, religious women, brothers, seminarians, priests, Bishops. It’s astonishing … our Church is so big and varied and this is a holy manifestation of God’s creativity. Let us remember to be people who bring others into communion with each other rather than driving wedges of disunity.”
The Eucharistic Congress was a learning experience for Pilgrim Lilian Ronderos, Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish in Bradenton.
“I learned that I need to be open to change,” Ronderos said. “Change within my ministry, change in ministry and change within myself. I learned that the places of confrontation and struggle are places to reflect upon and to allow the Lord to show me and change me into his likeness.”
Ronderos also said one the most important lessons she learned was that Revival depends upon the knowledge and experience of the love story of the Lord with all of us; the sacrifice and True Presence found in the Holy Eucharist and celebrated at every Mass.
The Eucharistic Congress was a homecoming for Sue and Dale Thompson. Sue Thompson is the Director of Religious Education at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota, and she shared her thoughts.
“The 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis was a real homecoming for my husband Dale and I. Seeing our hometown come alive with all the faithful and especially bringing the Eucharist through our city to all those who may not know Jesus or who may be struggling with their faith, was the highlight of the pilgrimage for us. Seeing Bishop (Andrew) Cozzens, (the spiritual director of the National Eucharistic Revival), bringing the monstrance into the Lucas Oil Stadium on the first night to start off the Congress with Adoration and seeing the radiant smile on his face as he blessed the city and all the procession attendees reminded me of the beauty and grace-filled sincerity of all who presented at the events and planned the Congress. Our hearts are so full, and this event will impact us for years to come. What a success!! We are so grateful for this pilgrimage and can’t wait for the next in 2033!”
Maria Gaviria, of Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch was at the Congress with her daughter Natasha Lovely, and they were all smiles after the closing Mass. “The smiles are indicative of the grace-filled historical moment at the National Eucharistic Congress and now ready to be sent out from the foundation of deeper love of the Eucharist.”
The Eucharistic Congress opened with Adoration in Lucas Oil Stadium, led by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the spiritual director of the National Eucharistic Revival, opening the hearts of all that the Lord wants to do in these days.
During the first Revival session, participants were reminded that Jesus “accepts us where we are, but then leads us to conversion” by Sister Bethany Madonna, SV. The evening focused on the story of the Road to Emmaus, including testimonies from the emcees, a reflection on true Eucharistic Revival from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and an inspiring talk from Sister Bethany on how our Lord loves and pursues each one of us.
The first full day at the Congress opened in fitting fashion, by gathering together for the most perfect prayer of the Church – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As the main celebrant of the English Mass, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, of the Archdiocese of New York, reminded everyone that the Eucharist is a meal where we gather at the divine table to celebrate the saving action of our God.
After morning liturgies, participants attended a morning impact session to dive deeper into their Congress experience. Attendees also perused the bustling Expo Hall, visited powerful exhibits like the replica of the Shroud of Turin, and listened to inspiring talks in breakout sessions.
During the revival session in Lucas Oil Stadium, participants were drawn into the unfathomable love of Jesus for each one of us. After beautiful testimonies from Lila Rose and Ken and Mary Ann Duppong, Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart reminded participants that Jesus is actively moving today and working miracles in our world. Then, led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, we were invited into a time of Eucharistic Adoration where we could be reunited with our first love by removing the “fire extinguishers” in our hearts.
The following day also began with Mass in multiple locations. In the Indiana Convention Center, participants learned about hundreds of Catholic apostolates in the Exhibit Hall and heard talks from dozens of speakers, including Jason Evert, Bishop Cozzens, Emily Wilson Hussem, and Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford.
Congress attendees were invited to allow the Lord to heal them emotionally, spiritually, and physically. All of this culminated in an evening Revival session, including a joyful entrance into prayer led by the music team and witnesses of God’s mercy and healing. Sister Josephine Garrett, Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, shared a moving keynote address inviting the participants to “repent in hope and joy.” Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. led a time of Eucharistic Adoration and invited everyone to pray for true, lasting healing before processing with Our Lord through Lucas Oil Stadium.
Throughout the Eucharistic Congress, participants encountered Our Lord’s Mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, with confessions heard each day for more than 12 hours.
The largest event to take place outside of the stadium was a Eucharistic procession through the downtown area, led by the Most Blessed Sacrament. Bishops, priests, men and women religious, Deacons, and others followed as tens of thousands of Congress participants lined the streets and processed and worshipped Jesus. The procession ended with Eucharistic Adoration as all gathered together, gazing upon the King of the Universe in the city center at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
These are just a few of the highlights of the National Eucharistic Congress which inspired those who were there and carried a powerful message to the world, placing a greater emphasis on the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.
During the National Eucharistic Revival, the Diocese of Venice has hosted two Diocesan Eucharistic Congresses which drew more than 6,400 people in the two years. Additional initiatives in the Diocese and at the Parish-level have continued. Parishes throughout the Diocese organized Catholic speakers, adoration, Eucharistic processions, and other exciting events.
While the National Eucharistic Revival switches to a mission role, with the faithful spreading the word about the Most Holy Eucharist to the whole world, the Diocese of Venice will continue to provide local opportunities to participate in the important Revival. The annual Diocesan Youth Rally is Nov. 16, 2024, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda, as well as the Men’s and Women’s Conference on March 29, 2025, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. Other events are being planned and will continue the theme celebrating the Most Holy Eucharist.
