July 26, 2024

Reflections from Several Sisters Attending the Eucharistic Congress

The National Eucharistic Congress was a wonderful opportunity to experience the mutual unity and support of the members of the Body of Christ, the Church.  Seeing so many religious Sisters, priests, bishops and laity, was deeply affirming to each of us in our particular vocation.   I personally met so many old friends – and made new and surprising ones – that what stands out to me is the community of believers gathered around Jesus.  I know that I owe my faith to so many who have walked with me in my pilgrimage of faith over the years. And I am excited to “hoe my row” and work in His Vineyard with His coworkers until our glorious entry into His kingdom – Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus, Come! -Mother Louise Marie

  • Mother Louise Marie with Stephanie and Dan Burke
  • Sister Rita Marie with Adrienne, a cousin of Sister Mary Anthony
  • Bishop Henning (Rhode Island) with his pilgrims and Tim, Mother Louise Marie’s brother (also R.I.)
  • Mother Louise Marie and Sister Mary Philomena with Fr. Landry, a longtime retreat master at Casa Maria, and Mary Ann and Stephen Jepsen
  • Fr. Joseph, MFVA and Fr. Patrick, MFVA with the Sisters after the procession Benediction
  • Beth Sri and other friends of FOCUS, and Bob, Mother Louise Marie’s (other) brother
  • Fr. Jon Kalisch with the Sisters
  • Mother Louise Marie and the Sisters with Mary Ann Jepsen (sister of Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker) and longtime friend

Jesus said, “…and I when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.”  The Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis celebrated the presence of Sacrifice of Christ on the altar at Mass, with opportunities to receive the fruit of this sacrifice: Communion with Our Lord, the source of holiness and food for the journey to heaven.  There was time for acts of thanksgiving by adoring His Real Presence and receiving his blessing. Then the final commendation was to give back what we had been given, to our local Churches, our homes, and within our hearts. -Sister Rita Marie

Pictured above: Evening Adoration; Public Procession with Benediction at the Civic Monument; Perpetual Adoration at the Church of St. John that was filled each day with prayer; the stadium held 60,000 souls worshipping together.

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My initial reaction coming home from the Congress is to say, “Wow! What an amazingly wonderful experience!” When I was growing up, the unwritten idea was that it is okay to be a strong Catholic, but just don’t share it with anyone. At World Youth Day in 1993, St. John Paul II said, “This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the time to preach it from the rooftops…” Many listened. With this amazing Christ-centered Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Luis Tagle said we should have a conversion to the Eucharist and then Go, Share the Faith! -Sister Marie Francesca

I was so happy to be able to attend the Eucharist Congress, and to witness the faith and unity of priests, Sisters, and lay people. I was busy at our table, answering questions and sharing materials about our community, as well as attending smaller get-togethers. This experience of the Congress really uplifted me and strengthened my faith! -Sister Mary Philomena