I WRITE THIS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART, FOR THE GRACES AND ENCOUNTERS WERE MANY. My experience at the National Eucharistic Congress was far more than I anticipated. Not knowing what to expect, upon arrival it took approximately 3 hours to register in a very long line in the sun. I thought to myself, I hope this is not a reflection what is to come. To my delight , it was not. It was so perfectly organized and well planned from the start to the finish. The morning opened with the rosary, followed by the mass, inspiring presentations and ending each evening with magnificent music for praise and worship, adoration and benediction. To be part of the 50 to 60,000 Catholics in one stadium participating in this grace filled time was an experience I hope I will never forget. We were all Catholics in our own unique ways. I was blessed to participate in the sacrifice of the mass in the Norvus Ordo form, the Eastern Byzantine Rite and the Latin Mass which was absolutely beautiful. I was especially touched with gratitude for all the priests and religious attending. It was a sight to be seen to see so many joyful souls for Christ.

I have done several Eucharistic pilgrimages to Italy and Medjugorje. I experienced and received graces of faith in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist but never with such a profound feeling of an exchange of love, an outpouring of Christ’s love and our love in return. I was filled with such love for our priests and bishops. They were beautiful and yes, even radiant. The love they have for their vocations and their flock was apparent through their smiles and love for Our Lord. So if I were to answer the question, “What did I take away from the congress? “ I can sum it up in two words, Hope and Love. The zeal, energy and joy for the Lord in so many young families and young adults is astounding. The unique love that Christ has for each one of us is palpable. We can find that love in each other, in our smiles, our hugs, our actions in our faith. We can find that love in our priests and religious and we need to let them feel our love and appreciation for them. Most importantly, we can find that unique love that makes us complete and whole in adoration and the sacrifice of the mass where we encounter Our Lord in the Eucharist. Yes, hope and love is what I experienced and I pray the fruits are many as God’s Catholic Children go forth to live in Christ with Mary guiding us into the future.